Microwave Chocolate Cake

So I have heard of microwave mini cakes and muffins, but hadn't thought of trying it because my microwave is on it's last breath. I have fully exhausted it and thought this wouldn't work. But I had a strong craving for chocolate cake and didn't feel like baking up a big one so I thuoght I'd give it a whirl. I also wanted to have a special treat with the hubby after the boys were sound asleep. My microwave did show it's age and took 3 times longer than the recipe called to make this, but it was still delicious. Although doesn't everything taste more indulgent when the kids are sleeping? ;-) haha. I plan on making this a lot more (I also plan on buying a new microwave).

Microwave Chocolate Cake also called: One Minute Chocolate Cake
By: Chocolate Covered Katie

1 tablespoon plus 2 tsp cocoa powder
3 tablespoons flour
1/8 tsp salt
1 tablespoon + 2 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp baking powder
1 tablespoon oil
3 tablespoons milk of choice (I used almond milk)
1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract

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).

Cajun Chicken Pasta (Light)

I was looking for a different way to make chicken than the usual ways I've been doing. I stumbled on this recipe and adapted it to my dairy free diet and what I had on hand. It was delicious and even better the next day for lunch (when all the cajun seasoning really soaked in...mmm) Another winner from skinny taste.

Cajun Chicken Pasta
Servings: 5 • Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups • Old Points: 6 pts • Points+: 8 pts
Calories: 323.8 • Fat: 6.2 g • Protein: 25.9 g • Carb: 44.1 g • Fiber: 6.3 g • Sugar: 3.2 g
Sodium: 126.5 mg (without salt)


Ingredients:

8 ounces uncooked linguine
1 pound chicken breast strips
1-2 tsp Cajun seasoning (or to taste)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 medium yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 zuchinni, thinly sliced
1/2 red onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium tomatoes, diced (I didn't have any in mine, I just forgot)
1 cup fat free low sodium chicken broth
1/3 cup milk (I used almond milk)
1 tbsp flour
fresh cracked pepper
2 scallions, chopped
salt to taste
cooking spray

Directions:

Prep all your vegetables. In a small blender make a slurry by combining milk, flour and cream cheese. Set aside. Season chicken generously with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder and salt

Prepare pasta in salted water, per package directions.

Heat a large heavy nonstick skillet over medium-high heat; spray with cooking spray and add half of the chicken. Sauté 5 to 6 minutes or until done, set aside on a plate and repeat with the remaining chicken. Set aside

Add olive oil to the skillet and reduce to medium; add bell peppers, zuchinni, onions, and garlic to skillet, sauté 4-6 minutes till tender. Season with 1/4 tsp salt, garlic powder and fresh cracked pepper to taste

Reduce heat to medium-low; add chicken broth/milk mix and pour in slurry stirring about 2 minutes.

Return chicken to skillet; adjust salt and Cajun seasoning to taste, cook another minute or two until hot, then add linguine; toss well to coat. Top with chopped scallions and enjoy!

Chocolate Pancakes

Chocolate for breakfast! You betcha! The original recipe calls for dark cocoa but I haven't seen any where I shop. Amazon sells it but I'm not prepared for a case of it yet, but I'm sure I'll pick some up soon. Hunter asks for these most mornings, "Mommy can I have the chocolate pancake pleeeeaase?" I usually double or triple the recipe since Hunter can easily polish off an entire batch!

Brownie Batter Pancakes
From: Chocolate Covered Katie
(Makes 6-8 silver-dollar pancakes)

1/4 cup flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
1 T cocoa
1 T plus 1 tsp sugar
1/16 tsp salt
1 T oil
1/2 T applesauce.
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
5 and 1/2 T milk of choice

Mix dry ingredients very well, then add wet. Make pancakes

Pumpkin Smoothie

I love pumpkin and when I was pregnant with James I craved the Pumpkin Smash Smoothies from Jamba Juice. Here is my at-home version, I usually throw in a handful of spinach and blend once more. See my green monster smoothie post here

Pumpkin Smoothie
1. C. Milk (I used coconut milk)
1/3 C. Pumpkin Puree
1 tsp. Vanilla
1 Frozen Banana
2 tsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice (or combo of cinnamon and nutmeg)
1 1/2 tsp agave (sugar)
ice

Blend till smooth. Enjoy!

Green Monster Smoothie (Basic)

I've been seeing tons of these green smoothies popping up on all my favorite food blogs. I am a pretty picky eater and the thought of drinking my veggies sounded repulsive, but finally I decided to cave. My first version was actually a mocha (I figured with coffee and chocolate it couldn't be that bad), and I quickly developed an addiction for these tasty, healthier smoothies. I honestly feel like I have more energy on the days I have one of these. This is the base recipe, you can add so much more to it and change the flavors. I have already made about 6 or 7 versions and plan on getting them (and many more) posted soon.

Trust me on this one, you REALLY can't taste the spinach! ;-)

Classic Green Monster
Adapted from: Oh She Glows
Yield: 1 serving/2 cups

Ingredients:
1 cup almond milk, or milk of choice
1 ripe banana, preferably peeled + frozen
2 handfuls organic spinach
1 tbsp chia seeds OR 1 tbsp ground flax (optional)
1 tbsp nut butter,
1-3 ice cubes (I skip this if I have a frozen banana, or I freeze almond milk in cubes and use that as well)



Directions: Starting with the liquid, add in 1 cup of milk of your choice. Now add in the chia or flax and nut butter. Next, add in the spinach followed by the banana on top. Blend until smooth. Add in your ice cubes and blend some more. Serves 1- about 2 cups.