It probably goes without saying but ALWAYS check your receipt! Maybe the baby won’t let you review it right away or–ideally–scrutinize as your order is rung up. But don’t forget to get to your bill as soon as you are able to focus. Besides overcharges on both sale and regular priced items, be aware of possible mistakes such as sales tax charged on non-taxable food products. For example, cocoa powder and chocolate baking bars are NOT taxable in Texas. And double check that any coupons you have tendered are properly credited.
I’m enjoying Dagoba organic cacao (cocoa) powder right now. Dagoba’s organic chocolate products are Fair Trade Certified and the company practices what they call “Full Circle Sustainability.” Sounds good and tastes delicious! I buy it at Whole Foods for $6.99 for an 8 oz. canister but watch out! The last two times I’ve purchased this they have charged sales tax on it. If you buy some, please remember to double check that the store has corrected this mistake and hasn’t added that 58¢ to your total.
I don’t really cook in my microwave (although I’ve looked into it and continue to keep an open mind) but I certainly utilize it frequently. Some folks have strong feelings about these appliances but I enjoy the convenience of course and it can use much less energy for a lot of kitchen tasks. And it doesn’t heat up the house. So when you get home with your tantalizingly fragrant Dagoba cocoa powder, you can make these funny and tasty cakes.
Chocolate Microwave Mug Cakes makes enough mix for 4 cakes
- 121 grams (1 cup) organic all-purpose flour
- 200 grams (1 cup) organic granulated sugar
- 41 grams (1/2 cup) organic natural (not Dutch-processed) cocoa powder
- pinch of salt
Mix ingredients together. Now, for each large coffee mug put in 1/2 cup plus 2 Tablespoons dry mix. Using a fork, thoroughly mix in 1 large egg (preferably local). Next blend in 3 Tablespoons milk (your choice), 3 Tablespoons oil (preferably organic) and a little splash of vanilla extract. Stir in 2 or 3 Tablespoons chocolate chips (dark, milk or white, or peanut butter chips!). The chips are optional but they improve the texture of the cake and their sweetness is welcome in this otherwise not overly sweet batter.
Place your mug (one at a time please) in the microwave and nuke it on high for 3 minutes. The batter will dramatically climb up, souffle-style, and threaten to topple. Fear not.
Put your mug on the cooling rack for a moment while you round up your spatula or butter knife. Loosen the cake’s sides with your chosen implement and tump out the cake into a bowl. It’s hot!
Cuddle up your cake with a scoop of ice cream or a large dollop of whoop cream. Was that quick? Now make one for your kid. Or your spouse. If they’re old enough maybe they can even make their own while you relax and eat yours!
Savor The Earth 