Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes

Most of our family really enjoys pancakes (Miss S asks for them at breakfast a LOT). I wanted to try something different than my standard buttermilk pancake so I play around with my pancake recipes and some fresh blueberries.

Cinnamon and Brown Sugar Oatmeal [Raisin] Pancakes

Cinnamon and Brown Sugar Oatmeal Pancakes
with Mixed Berry Peach Syrup

Our family enjoys having breakfast for dinner at least 1-2 times a month and pancakes are one of the kids' favorites. I wanted to try something different than the standard buttermilk pancake so I adapted a Taste of Home recipe.

Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Cake

I wanted a quick and easy dessert the other night but didn't have any cocoa so the usual chocolate microwave cakes (1 minute chocolate cake or 10 minute or less chocolate cake for 2) were not an option. Then I thought about different flavors that I had in the house and decided to try a variation on my chocolate cake recipe using peanut butter, banana and chocolate chips.

One-Minute Chocolate Cake

I saw this idea on Pinterest and just had to try it. The original recipe is by Chocolate-Covered Katie and it is definitely yummy for a microwave cake. It's also quicky and easy (unless I'm making it with the kids). I tweaked it just bit as you'll see below.

• 5 tsp cocoa powder
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 4 tsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 2 tablespoons mashed banana
• 3 tablespoons milk of choice (I use coconut milk if I have it on hand)
• 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cold coffee (to enhance the chocolate flavor)
• optional: 1 rolo or carmello square

Combine dry ingredients and mix very, very well. Add liquid, stir, then transfer to a little dish, ramekin, or even a coffee mug. Microwave 30-40 seconds. If you don’t want to eat it straight out of the dish, be sure to spray your dish first (and then wait for it to cool before trying to remove it).

I don't bother to add the chocolate frosting as I'd rather add a Rolo or Carmello square to the top of the batter before microwaving so there is this ooey-gooey choco-caramel swirl in the middle of the cake. 

Microwave Blueberry Oat "Muffins"

My 1st Attempt

I am always up for quick, easy, and healthy dishes for breakfast or snacks so when I happened upon a recipe for 1 Minute Berrylicious Microwave Muffin I decided to try it.

10 Minute or Less Chocolate Cake for Two

Have any of you gotten the email about the 5 minute chocolate cake in a mug? Well, I did when pregnant with Miss A, and if I had a craving it was definitely CHOCOLATE!!! One day, I got this huge craving for chocolate and had none in the house so I decided to try this 5 minute microwave chocolate cake in a mug. I was vastly disappointed with the results and told myself never to try that again.

Well, today is Jared and I's anniversary and we will basically be celebrating it apart. Jared left for work at 5:40am, will work till 5:45pm, go to class from 6pm-8:30pm, and then is heading back to work for who knows how long so he doesn't have to work tomorrow (we have a college/career's activity). I...must...have...chocolate when I am stressed;) So I decided to give it a whirl again. I know, you're probably thinking, "Bad idea, it didn't turn out the last time and you'll be wasting ingredients when you have to throw it away." I did about 5 minutes of research looking over 4 different microwave cake recipes and then decided to combine some different aspects of each. I also looked over the different reviews to see if there were any suggested changes. Here is what I came up with and man was it delicious (btw, it is about 2 times the size of a regular slice of cake).

Cake Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter, softened
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or 1/2 tsp. almond
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 pinch salt

Chocolate Sauce Ingredients

• 3 and 2/3 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon baking cocoa
• 3 and 2/3 tablespoons boiling water
• Dash salt
• 3/4 teaspoon butter
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Spray a medium microwave-safe bowl with non-stick spray and set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and milk; blend together.
3. Combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt; blend into the mixture until smooth. Pour into greased bowl.
4. Cover and cook in the microwave on high for 3 to 4 minutes, or until cake springs back when touched. Since all microwaves cook differently, adjust the cooking time to accommodate your machine.
5. While cake is "cooking" in the microwave, combine sugar, cornstarch and cocoa in a 1-cup microwave safe bowl.
6. Stir in water and salt. Microwave for 1 minute. Stir in butter and vanilla.
7. Let the cake cool 2-3 minutes, then cover the bowl with a plate and turn both bowl and plate upside down so the cake falls onto the plate.
8. Pour chocolate sauce over the top and let rest another 2-3 minutes.
9. ENJOY!

You could also serve this with the 10 Minute or Less Homemade Ice Cream.