Halfway Mark

We've reached the halfway point of N being away, and today happens to be our 13th wedding anniversary (in NZ, it's tomorrow here).  I guess, unlucky for us, given we can't celebrate together this year.

We've had a less hectic week, but still haven't much to show for it!  Some highlights:

* Playgroup at our place this week

* A bunch of skype conversations with family and friends (Thank you all)

* An impromptu playdate with J's friends that ended up with them staying for dinner after splashing in the paddling pool

* Hearing a friend preach at church on Ephesians 4:1-16

* Fun at Kai's 4th birthday party at a spray/splash park. Left my camera on the countertop with our sunscreen, but it was awesome to watch both boys having fun with the fountains of water, and chowing down on watermelon.

* Dessert for one (or two if you're not as greedy as me!)  Here's the recipe and my modifications.

Dangerous Chocolate Cake In-A-Mug (from St Matthews Church Recollections Recipe Book 1961-2011)

Ingredients:
1 coffee mug
4 Tbsp flour
4 Tbsp sugar
2 Tbsp cocoa
1 egg
3 Tbsp oil
3 Tbsp milk
Small splash vanilla essence
3 Tbsp chocolate chips (optional)

Method:
Put dry ingredients in the mug and mix well with a fork.  Add egg, mix thoroughly.  Pour in milk, oil and essence, combine then add chips if using.  Put mug microwave and cook for 3 minutes (1000W oven).  Cake will rise over the top of the mug, do not be alarmed.  Allow to cool, then tip out.  This can serve 2 if you want to feel virtuous!

And WHY is it the most dangerous cake inthe world? - because you are now only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake any time of the day or night!

My notes: a bit stodgy for cake so better as pudding eaten right out of the mug.  I have also made a variation (when cocoa was unavailable) substituting orange essence for the vanilla and spooning a couple of tablespoons of caramel sauce/icecream topping over the cooked cake still in the mug.  Yum!