Mug Cakes

  

  Hi! No, I haven't disappeared into the frozen tundra of the North, but it has been a while!  I got kinda busy with the rest of summer, and then school started, and .....  well I could continue, but I won't bore you with the details.  I have come to a decision though.  Originally I thought I would try to post three times a week.  But the business of my life has caused me to reevaluate that.  So I will try to post once a week.  I think that will be a little more manageable for now.


     Today's post is a recipe I found today.  It is so delicious, but a little dangerous because it's so easy.  You'll see what I mean in a minute,  but first...
      I have to justify my reason for posting recipes on a blog supposedly dedicated to crafting.  Cooking and baking are ART forms.  Ask any chef (professional or otherwise), I'm sure they'll agree!  So when I find a good one, I love to pass it on.  Food is just something that brings people together.  I bet if I asked you what your favorite childhood memory was, it would include food in some form or another.  Many families (including mine) eat certain foods on certain occasions.  I mean what's Thanksgiving without Pumpkin Pie?

Chocolate Mug Cake (Image from Table for Two)

     Have you every heard of a Mug Cake?  I hadn't until today.  But what a fabulous (and dangerous) :-) idea!This recipe is from "Table for Two".  I tried it today.  My kids saw it and I made each of them one.  Still faster than baking a regular cake.  It was taste tested and approved by all.  Here's the link to the recipe. The Moistest Chocolate Mug Cake Since it's apple season,  I'm also going to try her Salted Caramel Apple Spice Mug Cake!

Salted Caramel Apple Spice Mug Cake (Image from Table for Two)

I hope you enjoy these recipes!  I'd love to hear from you!  If you have a favorite mug cake please share!!

Mmm...Monday!

Remember that I said I'd tell you how to make your own self-rising flour?  Well today's the day!  :)
It's very easy! All you need is regular flour, salt, and baking powder.  Put 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder into a one cup measuring cup, add 1/2 teaspoon of salt, then fill the rest with flour to make one cup of self-rising flour.  See, easy! :) Now you know!  :) Have fun baking!

Mmmm.....Monday!

Easy Meatloaf

Today I'm going to share my easy recipe for meatloaf!

1. Place one pound ground beef in kitchen aid mixer.  Mix well.

2. Toast a piece of bread, cut into small pieces,(or use bread crumbs) Add to meat.

3. Measure 1/4 cup of milk and add one egg and mix well with a fork.

4.  Into the milk mixture add 1/4 tsp. pepper,  1/2 teaspoon garlic, 1/4 cup dried onion (you can also use fresh diced onion), 1/2 teaspoon oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt (or seasoned salt).  Mix well.

5.  Add milk mixture to meat and bread crumbs. Mix well.

6.  Press mixture into loaf pan and bake at 350° for 45-55 minutes. (No pink on the inside). When done drain any fat.

7.  Pour 1/4 - 1/2 cup barbecue sauce over loaf and bake for another 5 minutes.

8.  Enjoy! Serves 4.

I usually double the recipe and bake it in a 9x9 pan for my family, so we can have leftovers. :) Always better the second day!! ;-)