My fitness tip

I've been inspired by Bertie's blog, and wanted to share with all of you my favorite diet and fitness tip. It is...

Chocolate cake.

I love sweets, especially cake. I can't seem to stop eating them. So, I've found a way to have my cake and eat it, too. Usually, when I crave cake, I bake a cake. Then, after I've satisfied my craving, there is still all of this cake around that I am now obligated to eat, or pawn off on some other unsuspecting soul. Not good for the waistline. Also, it takes a while to make a cake, so by the time I'm done, I've probably also eaten some "appetizers" (not to mention half of the batter), or I've just gotten lazy and gone to the store to buy cake. Still, with the inevitable pile of leftovers.

Then, a few weeks ago on my favorite forum, one of the wonderful ladies posted a recipe for a cake that was one serving and you make in the microwave in a mug. Hallelujah!! My prayers have been answered! Now, while I generally frown on baking in the microwave, I tried it out, and while pretty good, it was more of a steamed pudding then a cake. I've been playing with the recipe since then and have found a recipe that is yummy, chocolate-y and has the texture of actual cake. Best of all, it only takes three dishes (mug, tablespoon, whisk) and is ready in 5 minutes!

Microwave chocolate cake
4 T flour
4 T sugar
2 T cocoa
pinch baking powder
few grains salt
1 egg
3 T milk
3 T oil
small splash vanilla
3 T chocolate chips
3 T pecan pieces

Mix together the dry ingredients in your microwave safe mug (You can use the whisk). Whisk in your egg until completely combined, then add the oil and milk and whisk together. Then whisk some more. You want to beat it a bit to incorporate some air. Add the vanilla and whisk. Sprinkle the chips and pecans on top and fold them in once or just pat them into the batter. If you mix them in too well, they'll all end up at the bottom. Of course, the chips and pecans are optional, but they're really good!
Pop that mug in the microwave and cook at 1000 W for 3 minutes. (That is 90% power on my microwave.) It puffs up significantly. Don't be alarmed. Now let it cool for a few minutes. It comes out of the microwave really hot!Get a big glass of skim milk and enjoy!