5 minute Mug Cake

4 Tbsp. flour
4Tbsp. sugar
2Tbsp. cocoa
1 egg
3 Tbsp milk
3 Tbsp. oil
3 Tbsp. chocolate chips (optional)
teensy drop of vanilla
1 large coffee mug

Add dry ingredients to mug and mix well.
Add egg and mix.
Pour in milk and oil and mix again.
Add in chocolate chips and vanilla and mix.
Microwave for 3 minutes on high (1000 watts).
The cake will rise over the top of the mug but will settle down eventually. No worries!
Cool slightly and invert onto a plate.
Enjoy. Serves 1 generously or 2 if you have to share.

Courtesy of Anne Flores. Thanks, Anne.

2010 brings a renewed hope for life to settle down a bit. While last year was challenging to say the least, this new decade started off with Ally's birthday and continued planning for her wedding. Bryan has discovered a new life in Rochester, New York and was anxious to get back. He left a week early. It was hard to see him go but, I've always said that Steve and I have always raised our children to spread their wings and discover themselves and new places and people. Who are we to stop them. We love and miss them from afar. We cherish the times we have together, plan special meals and continue to build family memories while they are here. Then, we let them go. It is hard. I am thankful for cell phones, blackberries,Skype and FB. They don't seem so far away after all. I do miss their hugs. Technology cannot substitute for that.