CAKE IN A MUG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here is a DELICIOUS RECIPE for how to make a cake in a mug! You simply mix the ingredients in a mug and cook it in a microwave! In about 2 minutes, you will have a yummy, chocolaty dessert! TRY IT! 

Photo: Instant Chocolate Cake Recipe
I found this photo at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/instant-chocolate-cake-recipe/index.html

Here's the Recipe:

Directions

Whisk 1/4 cup flour, 5 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, 1 egg, 3 tablespoons milk, 3 tablespoons vegetable oiland a dash of vanilla extract and salt in a large mug until smooth. Microwave until puffed, about 2 minutes.

Copyright (c)2011 Food Network Magazine, LLC. Published by Hyperion. Available wherever books are sold. All Rights Reserved. Photograph courtesy of Antonis Achilleos.

Eating Healthy

Eating healthy and exercising frequently seems to be hard for everyone now days, especially with our busy schedules. However, a healthy diet is essential if you want to live a healthy life. My mom is trying to make my family eat healthier now, and even though it made me a little mad when she insisted that I put the grape juice back in the refrigerator and grab a bottle of water, I knew that she was right. I went to the United States Department of Agriculture's website, www.choosemyplate.gov, to get some tips about eating healthy.

I'll be honest: When I want a snack, I'll grab chocolate chip cookies without even giving the bunch of bananas on the counter a second look. Go here: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/food-groups/fruits-tips.html
for tips on how to incorporate fruit into your diet.

Picture Source: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/food-groups/fruits-tips.html

Having trouble eating enough veggies? Here's some tips on how to incorporate your :vegetables into your everyday meals:  http://www.choosemyplate.gov/food-groups/vegetables-tips.html



Picture Source: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/food-groups/vegetables-tips.html

Need some tips about the grains you should consume? Check out:
http://www.choosemyplate.gov/food-groups/grains.html


Picture Source: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/food-groups/grains.html

Don't know what meats/proteins are best? This page should help:
http://www.choosemyplate.gov/food-groups/protein-foods-tips.html

Picture Source: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/food-groups/protein-foods-tips.html

Need help incorporating dairy or don't know how to get the calcium you need because you are lactose intolerant? Look at this web page: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/food-groups/dairy-tips.html

Picture Source: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/food-groups/dairy-tips.html

For more about healthy eating, please visit: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/

POPCORN BALLS!

        I wanted a snack, and when I saw marshmallows I KNEW that I  just had to make something with them. I was trying to find something that went good with marshmallows (besides hot cocoa), when I saw popcorn. Then, it hit me: marshmallows + popcorn = popcorn balls!
        I tried to make home-made kettle corn a few months ago, but when that didn't work, I turned the sugar-coated popcorn into popcorn balls. However, I melted too much sugar and the dessert turned out WAY too sweet. I was hoping that using marshmallows would help keep me from pouring too much sugar, and I was right! The popcorn balls turned out GREAT! Here's what I did:

INGREDIENTS: (Sorry, I don't know the exact measurements)
Popcorn
Marshmallows
Butter (not a lot)
Microwave-safe bowl
Spoon

1. Pour the marshmallows into a microwave-safe bowl. The amount of popcorn you plan on using determines  how many marshmallows you need to use. Take a tiny bit of butter and put it in the bowl as well. This will keep your marshmallows from sticking to the bowl.
2. Microwave marshmallows for 1 minute at a time, stirring after each minute, until they are done. Watch your marshmallows, because marshmallows puff up and can spill over the bowl. Also, your marshmallows may be done before the minute is up (mine were). Again, it depends on how many you melt.
3. Now, microwave your popcorn.
4. *You might want to wait a minute or so before you do this part, the popcorn and marshmallows get REALLY HOT!!! When the popcorn is done, pour it into a large bowl. Take the melted marshmallows and pour them over the popcorn. Use the spoon to help you. Using your hands, mix the melted marshmallows throughout the popcorn. Then, form them into balls.

Your popcorn balls are ready , enjoy! Here's a picture about what mine turned out like: