Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Warm Cake in 10 Minutes

Last week I stumbled onto a video tutorial of baking a cake in the microwave.  The end result of the cake on the video looked fantastic and I knew I wanted to try to bake one myself.  This recipe is not going to be the healthiest option for dessert and fresh fruit would certainly be a quick option, but.....sometimes you just want cake!

You will need:
Large glass bowl (I used a Pyrex 4 quart mixing bowl; the largest of the nesting sets)
Cake mix of your choice (Choose one that needs only water, oil and egg)
Oil
Eggs

Butter or spray the inside of your bowl.

Follow instructions on cake mix.  If you are making a chocolate cake, substitute strong, cooled coffee for the water to intensify the chocolate flavor.

Pour into prepared bowl.

Microwave on High for 8 minutes.  Set the bowl slightly off center on the turntable so that it rotates evenly.

When it is finished, you should be able to press the center and it will slightly spring back.  Immediately invert onto serving platter.  It looks like a giant, delicious sponge dome.  We used a quick ganache glaze and sprinkles on the one pictured below (banana cake mix).

Enjoy!




Dinner Prep in 15 Minutes

Spinach Lasagna

Ricotta Cheese (about 2 pounds), homemade or bought
2 eggs
8 oz. Mozzarella, divided
1/2 cup freshly grated Parm.
1 box frozen, chopped spinach  (thaw & squeeze until dry)
Salt & pepper

No cook lasagna noodles
Favorite marinara sauce (about 2-3 cups)
9 x 13 pan

Mix Ricotta, Parm, eggs, spinach and half of Mozzarella.  Season with salt & pepper.

Spoon sauce and drizzle olive oil onto bottom of pan. 
Add one layer of noodles.

Use 1/3 of cheese mixture and spread over noodles.

Add layer or noodles.

Spoon some marinara over top.

Add layer of noodles.

Use 1/3 of cheese mixture.

Add layer of noodles.

Use 1/3 of cheese mixture.

Add layer of noodles.

Cover completely with sauce and sprinkle with 2nd half of Mozzarella.

Cover loosely with foil Bake in 350 oven for 50 minutes.

Let stand for 10 minutes and serve.