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.

Taking Care of Business

This winter has been long, cold and icy.  The supposed Polar Vortex enshrouded the Midwest in snow, freezing temps and high winds.  Normally, I would welcome the heaps of glorious snow since my kids love to play outside and it wear them out, thus reducing cabin fever.  That is not an option when the temp drops to negative degrees.  Baking cakes and roasts was a great way to heat the house and the boys loved eating cake late at night!  We all love our cozy cottage of a home, but it feels really, really small when we have been trapped inside for weeks on end.....

Here is a picture of the little guy building "machines" with his wooden blocks.  Our new cat, Roger Wee, enjoys watching him from under the stool.

Stay warm!