I was having major chocolate cravings the other day and you know me and should know by now, when I crave, I HAVE to have it! This time it was for some rich dark chocolate cake! Mmmmm but generally, this is a hard craving to get rid of because the only way out of this is to just create a craving satisfying cake that you can stuff in your mouth! --Then go for a 5 mile run to burn it off so you can fit in your wedding dress coming up so very soon!;)
You could either spend a buck or 2 and just succomb to boxed cake mix or find your perfect cake recipe but the problem with that is you are left with a whole cake! Can you let a cake go to waste just to satisfy a craving? Or stuff your face with it and have huge regrets that you can never take back!
So with all this, there is one solution that could help you out in a major way: cake in a mug ~ microwave style!
There are tons and tons of these recipes online and yes I have tested out MANY of them!!;) With all the ones I've tried, they've cured my chocolate craving but they fail in how a cake should be! The texture is always spongey and sometimes tough at the same time. Which led me to giving up on each recipe and starting over from scratch.
But just the other day, I think I came up with the perfect recipe for me. Cured the craving and I was satisfied with the overall outcome of the cake. Below is the recipe!
If you're wondering why there is no picture for this post, it's because I got really excited and just ate majority of the cake! When I was halfway done, that's when I realized I didn't take the picture! But please take my word for it, you will not be disappointed in this recipe. Have I ever let you down?
Chocolate Mug Cake for two
1 egg
3 Tbsp coconut oil
3 Tbsp milk
2 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup sugar
2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa
1/4 cup flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
Pinch of salt
1/4 tsp vinegar
Top with any of your favorite frostings or toppings
Whisk egg and oil in one of the mugs.
Mix in milk, vanilla, and sugar.
On the side, combine cocoa, flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl and add to the wet ingredients.
Mix in vinegar and beat batter until smooth. Split into two mugs and microwave separately for about 1 minute to 1 minute 30 seconds. I'd say it's ready closer to 1 minute but all microwaves are different. Serve cooled down or if you are like me, let it sit for a few minutes and indulge right away!;)
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Blueberry Quinoa Pancakes
Hi all! I've been super busy having fun wedding planning with the fiance! We found the perfect hidden place here in Southern California - the look is very rustic with an Italian Tuscan feel! It's so beautiful I consider at least once a day to make an appointment to just sit in the venue and take it all in! WOW it's gorgeous! Haha anyway, but I'll try my best to catch up now that everything has settled down.
So lately I've been trying to watch my flour intake, part due to fitting into my wedding dress but mainly because of stomach problems. I find cutting my carb intake makes me and my body feel better! So the other day I came across this recipe for Blueberry Quinoa Pancakes and wanted to give it a go! The best part of this recipe: no flour! Whhaaaaat?! Hmmm must try this out!
Before I get into how it went, I'll add my thoughts and additions to the recipe:
1) In the recipe, you see that it calls for 3 tsp of baking soda but when you look at the directions, it says baking powder instead. So I went with both. 1 1/2 tsp baking powder and 1/2 tsp baking soda. I didn't even add it up to 3 tsp and I found the recipe just fine.
2) I added about 3/4-1 cup of oats to the recipe. Thought it would add to the pancakes!
3) Instead of honey (which you all know I'm really not a fan of, taste-wise, but I've been using it for my skin, which makes it glow!), I used Yacon* syrup, not cheap, but I love using it when a recipe calls for honey or anything similar. I actually added about 2-2 1/2 T of the Yacon because I found 1 T wasn't really sweet. Not sure if that applies to the honey as well.
4) I added less than a 1/2 tsp cinnamon and a nice pinch of cardamom.
5) And lastly, I used Coconut Oil instead of Grapeseed, though I did have it on hand. Either one is fine!
The result?
Fun to make! The process is exactly like a regular pancake. Just keep an eye on the bubbles forming before flipping. Not as easy as regular pancakes but definitely possible. Sometimes the pancakes were easy to make and other times, too slippery to flip. They were firm for the most part and the ratio of pancakes to blueberries was perfect.
And the important part.....they taste like regular pancakes! If I wasn't the one that made them, I would not have guessed that these pancakes were without flour! Serve these pancakes with anything you normally eat them with! I believe the recipe made about 12-14 pancakes (some were indulged in by others before I counted so I'm estimating!;)
If you have a gluten intolerance, I highly recommend this recipe! And for those who want to make this vegan/vegetarian, just switch out the milk and find a good binding substitute for the eggs! You're all set!
*Note: Yacon Syrup is a low gylcemic sweetener that's better than sugar and has a molasses taste. It's a prebiotic and good for digestive health. It's found from the Yacon plant in Peru (which happens to be one of my favorite countries I've traveled to!). I found the Yacon Syrup in my local Whole Foods store but if you look online, I'm sure you'll be able to find it in other places. Try it out!
So lately I've been trying to watch my flour intake, part due to fitting into my wedding dress but mainly because of stomach problems. I find cutting my carb intake makes me and my body feel better! So the other day I came across this recipe for Blueberry Quinoa Pancakes and wanted to give it a go! The best part of this recipe: no flour! Whhaaaaat?! Hmmm must try this out!
 |
| My Blueberry Quinoa Pancakes with Creme Anglaise and Watermelon Mint Cleanse via Instagram: reeeeeeeems |
1) In the recipe, you see that it calls for 3 tsp of baking soda but when you look at the directions, it says baking powder instead. So I went with both. 1 1/2 tsp baking powder and 1/2 tsp baking soda. I didn't even add it up to 3 tsp and I found the recipe just fine.
2) I added about 3/4-1 cup of oats to the recipe. Thought it would add to the pancakes!
3) Instead of honey (which you all know I'm really not a fan of, taste-wise, but I've been using it for my skin, which makes it glow!), I used Yacon* syrup, not cheap, but I love using it when a recipe calls for honey or anything similar. I actually added about 2-2 1/2 T of the Yacon because I found 1 T wasn't really sweet. Not sure if that applies to the honey as well.
4) I added less than a 1/2 tsp cinnamon and a nice pinch of cardamom.
5) And lastly, I used Coconut Oil instead of Grapeseed, though I did have it on hand. Either one is fine!
The result?
Fun to make! The process is exactly like a regular pancake. Just keep an eye on the bubbles forming before flipping. Not as easy as regular pancakes but definitely possible. Sometimes the pancakes were easy to make and other times, too slippery to flip. They were firm for the most part and the ratio of pancakes to blueberries was perfect.
And the important part.....they taste like regular pancakes! If I wasn't the one that made them, I would not have guessed that these pancakes were without flour! Serve these pancakes with anything you normally eat them with! I believe the recipe made about 12-14 pancakes (some were indulged in by others before I counted so I'm estimating!;)
If you have a gluten intolerance, I highly recommend this recipe! And for those who want to make this vegan/vegetarian, just switch out the milk and find a good binding substitute for the eggs! You're all set!
*Note: Yacon Syrup is a low gylcemic sweetener that's better than sugar and has a molasses taste. It's a prebiotic and good for digestive health. It's found from the Yacon plant in Peru (which happens to be one of my favorite countries I've traveled to!). I found the Yacon Syrup in my local Whole Foods store but if you look online, I'm sure you'll be able to find it in other places. Try it out!
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
LA/OC Eats and Beyond - Part I
I've been in the OC (and LA) a lot recently and have tried a lot of tasty eats so I thought I'd share with you all the things that have made my stomach happy. And yes, all these pictures were not taken with a camera. I've been slacking in that department. It's all about taste for me anyway.
Vitello's Restaurant, Studio City, California
Enjoyed the Lobster Ravioli and the Chicken DaVinci. Both were real treats. Also had the calamari but it was oily and had me a little woozy. A great place to hang with a few friends or go on a date. Heard the pizza is good here so we discussed coming back here for the pizza next time. I'm sure some of their other dishes wouldn't disappoint as well. I left not feeling well so wasn't sure if it was the food or not. Service was absolutely great. Atmosphere was very cool and relaxed. I'd say it deserves 3/5 hearts: ©
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Paradise Cove, Malibu, CA
Lobster tacos. I'm a lobsta lover. Enough said. Pricy but whatever. Get them. 5 hearts: ©
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Kagura Downtown, Littly Tokyo, Los Angeles, CA
Fresh fish. Affordable for the area. Would definitely make it back there --which you should, in my opinion, stick to a sushi place once you find a good one. Raw food isn't something to play with and get sick! I give Kagura 4/5 hearts: ©
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Tokyo Delves, North Hollywood, California
Came here for the first time for a friends Dirty Thirty party. Sushi wasn't that great. Didn't taste fresh to me. And quite pricy. Entertainment was just okay. Tokyo Delves gets 2/5 hearts: ©
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Jae Boo Do, Koreatown, Los Angeles, California
Jae Boo Do is known for their Seafood BBQ. Not the typical AYCE Korean BBQ. I enjoyed this very much so, though my lungs did not! And major chest muscle pain but that had nothing to do with the food. There are 4 options to choose from here and we (4 of us) went with Option C, which came with:
Various Korean side dishes, Shrimp, variety of Clams, Green Mussels, Oysters, various Scallops, Abalone, Baby Octopus, Hag fish, Sweet Potato, Potato, and a warm soup to end the meal.
I enjoyed wrapping the Hag fish in the sesame leaf and eating it with a piece of garlic, onion, and ssamjang, a typical Korean eats. Seafood was fresh here. We left feeling really full but not overly stuffed to the point that we couldn't walk. The bill will be cheaper if you pay in cash. Friendly service. I'm already thinking about my next visit. 5/5 hearts: © © © © ©
Miss Coffee, Koreatown, Los Angeles, CA
After all that seafood, we were in the mood for ice cream! In this HUGE measuring cup, we had green tea ice cream, ice, strawberries, sauce, malt, and all sorts of things in this concoction. Great for 4 friends to enjoy. Interesting experience. I'd come with a group. Fairly priced. I give it 4/5 hearts: © © © ©
To be continued!
Jae Boo Do, Koreatown, Los Angeles, California
Jae Boo Do is known for their Seafood BBQ. Not the typical AYCE Korean BBQ. I enjoyed this very much so, though my lungs did not! And major chest muscle pain but that had nothing to do with the food. There are 4 options to choose from here and we (4 of us) went with Option C, which came with:
Various Korean side dishes, Shrimp, variety of Clams, Green Mussels, Oysters, various Scallops, Abalone, Baby Octopus, Hag fish, Sweet Potato, Potato, and a warm soup to end the meal.
I enjoyed wrapping the Hag fish in the sesame leaf and eating it with a piece of garlic, onion, and ssamjang, a typical Korean eats. Seafood was fresh here. We left feeling really full but not overly stuffed to the point that we couldn't walk. The bill will be cheaper if you pay in cash. Friendly service. I'm already thinking about my next visit. 5/5 hearts: © © © © ©
Miss Coffee, Koreatown, Los Angeles, CA
After all that seafood, we were in the mood for ice cream! In this HUGE measuring cup, we had green tea ice cream, ice, strawberries, sauce, malt, and all sorts of things in this concoction. Great for 4 friends to enjoy. Interesting experience. I'd come with a group. Fairly priced. I give it 4/5 hearts: © © © ©
To be continued!
Thursday, January 2, 2014
New Years Resolution and Top Posts
2014. A new year has arrived. And that means many New Years Resolutions that will be made and broken! As for myself, I usually try to set resolutions that I know I will try to attain but this year felt a little different...I don't really have a resolution. I can't really pinpoint one specific thing I want to focus on this year.
Honestly, I just want one good year that I can look back upon and simply smile.
Nothing bad happening. No weight gain. :)) No heartache. No lies, dishonesty, and untrustworthy people. No injuries. No unappetizing meals. No 85+ degree F Southern California days. No clogged toilets (a major fear of mine!). :p No bugs. No bills. And anything that causes sadness and pain to anyone in this world.
Just happiness. Peace. Love. Blueberries. ;) Great meals. Plenty of beach days. Surround myself with amazing friends and company. More rain. Playing in the snow days. Continually improving 5k times. Running, biking, and hiking, oh my! Flowers. Travel. Travel some more. Maaaybe expat living? Hopefully World Cup tickets (3rd times the charm? I'll find out in February!). Prepare fancier meals. Massages. Nights of just sitting outside and looking at the stars. Hot chocolate. Drinking more Cardamom Turkish Coffee, oh yes. Whipped cream shots. Better health. A love for life.
That's all I want. I've never been into 'things'. All I care about are people, their happiness, and living a good life while making this magnificent world a better place. So this is what I hope to see and experience in 2014. And wishing the same for everyone. :)
Here are the top 20 posts with the most views for Peace. Love. And Blueberries.! I love looking back and seeing what I've done in the past. :)
1) Sean's Cafe, Venice Beach Boardwalk, and the Factory
Spending the day in Los Angeles.
2) 3 Cities in Ecuador
The three cities I spent time in while on my travels in Ecuador.
3) Mi Quang, Banh Mi, and A Vietnamese Flan too
Vietnamese cuisine at a local Venice restaurant.
4) Sounds of the Amazon - Part II
I could fall asleep to the sounds of the rainforest every night.
5) Tortas Ahogadas - Las Originales
An authentic Mexican cuisine experience in Southern California.
6) Baltra, Los Gemelos, and the Wall of Tears
Time spent in the Galapagos Islands.
7) Fruit for Thought
A new fruit found on the Caribbean island of Curacao at the Floating market.
8) Mollusks
New Zealand Green Mussels in Dynamite Sauce and Clams with Parmesan Recipes.
9) Sinful Seducción
A chocolate lovers dream. Bring to the states please!
10) Pizza of the Sea
Seafood pizza...YUM!
11) Bolivian Cuisine
What is in the Bolivian cuisine? This is what I ate in Bolivia.
12) Pista Kulfi
An Indian ice cream delight.
13) Peruvian Coca Cola Chicken
Moist and melt in your mouth Peruvian Chicken recipe that I received from a Peruvian Grandmother. You must try this!
14) La Historia de Machu Picchu - Pt II
The English version of the history of Machu Picchu.
15) La Historia de Machu Picchu
The Spanish version of the history of Machu Picchu.
16) Cotopaxi
The tallest volcano above sea level is in Ecuador.
17) A Day on Death Road
The day I biked on Yungas Road in Bolivia. The most adventurous thing I have ever done in my life!
18) Dr. Hogly Wogly's Tyler Texas BBQ
The best BBQ joint in Southern California.
19) Passionfruit Banana Ricotta Flan
A tropical twist on one of my favorite desserts.
20) The Best Thing I Ever Ate In...
My favorite treats in all of my travels....so far!
Honestly, I just want one good year that I can look back upon and simply smile.
Nothing bad happening. No weight gain. :)) No heartache. No lies, dishonesty, and untrustworthy people. No injuries. No unappetizing meals. No 85+ degree F Southern California days. No clogged toilets (a major fear of mine!). :p No bugs. No bills. And anything that causes sadness and pain to anyone in this world.
Just happiness. Peace. Love. Blueberries. ;) Great meals. Plenty of beach days. Surround myself with amazing friends and company. More rain. Playing in the snow days. Continually improving 5k times. Running, biking, and hiking, oh my! Flowers. Travel. Travel some more. Maaaybe expat living? Hopefully World Cup tickets (3rd times the charm? I'll find out in February!). Prepare fancier meals. Massages. Nights of just sitting outside and looking at the stars. Hot chocolate. Drinking more Cardamom Turkish Coffee, oh yes. Whipped cream shots. Better health. A love for life.
That's all I want. I've never been into 'things'. All I care about are people, their happiness, and living a good life while making this magnificent world a better place. So this is what I hope to see and experience in 2014. And wishing the same for everyone. :)
Here are the top 20 posts with the most views for Peace. Love. And Blueberries.! I love looking back and seeing what I've done in the past. :)
1) Sean's Cafe, Venice Beach Boardwalk, and the Factory
Spending the day in Los Angeles.
2) 3 Cities in Ecuador
The three cities I spent time in while on my travels in Ecuador.
3) Mi Quang, Banh Mi, and A Vietnamese Flan too
Vietnamese cuisine at a local Venice restaurant.
4) Sounds of the Amazon - Part II
I could fall asleep to the sounds of the rainforest every night.
5) Tortas Ahogadas - Las Originales
An authentic Mexican cuisine experience in Southern California.
6) Baltra, Los Gemelos, and the Wall of Tears
Time spent in the Galapagos Islands.
7) Fruit for Thought
A new fruit found on the Caribbean island of Curacao at the Floating market.
8) Mollusks
New Zealand Green Mussels in Dynamite Sauce and Clams with Parmesan Recipes.
9) Sinful Seducción
A chocolate lovers dream. Bring to the states please!
10) Pizza of the Sea
Seafood pizza...YUM!
11) Bolivian Cuisine
What is in the Bolivian cuisine? This is what I ate in Bolivia.
12) Pista Kulfi
An Indian ice cream delight.
13) Peruvian Coca Cola Chicken
Moist and melt in your mouth Peruvian Chicken recipe that I received from a Peruvian Grandmother. You must try this!
14) La Historia de Machu Picchu - Pt II
The English version of the history of Machu Picchu.
15) La Historia de Machu Picchu
The Spanish version of the history of Machu Picchu.
16) Cotopaxi
The tallest volcano above sea level is in Ecuador.
17) A Day on Death Road
The day I biked on Yungas Road in Bolivia. The most adventurous thing I have ever done in my life!
18) Dr. Hogly Wogly's Tyler Texas BBQ
The best BBQ joint in Southern California.
19) Passionfruit Banana Ricotta Flan
A tropical twist on one of my favorite desserts.
20) The Best Thing I Ever Ate In...
My favorite treats in all of my travels....so far!
Here's to a great 2014!
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