One-Minute Desserts (for Dieters too!)

It is no secret that I have struggled with weight fluctuation for most of my life, and I will probably continue until I breathe my last breath.  In the adult ages of my life, my weight has flexed from 170 lbs. to 275 lbs., during which I found moderate amounts of success in fad diets and exercising.  There were even a few months in 2011 when I was running 4-miles every other day, an achievement that my high school self would have never believed if my future self went back in time to try to foretell.  Unfortunately, the damage to my knees had already been done and I had to give up running.

Now, just one of the reasons why my weight has flip and flopped like a short stack (yummm.... pancakes) is because I have a relentless sweet tooth (of the few food posts I've posted, over half are sweets).  I am always looking for the perfect cakes, pastries, cookies, candy, etc. that I can get away with eating with minimal guilt, and recently, I have come across these two little gems that I wanted to share:

The 3-2-1 CAKE

What you'll need:

1 box Angel Food cake mix
1 box any flavor cake mix
2 Tbl. water

Directions:

Using a large bowl with a tightly fitting lid or a large zip lock bag, combine the two boxes of cake mix stirring or shaking well.

For each individual serving,  take out 3 Tbl. of the cake mixture and mix it with 2 Tbl. of water in a  small coffee mug.  Microwave on high for 1 minute.  You now have your own instant individual cake and it is warm and inviting.  You can top with a dollop of fruit or whipped topping if you like. (even frosting)

Try various flavors of cake mix but it must always be combined with an Angel Food mix.

Keep the mix tightly sealed in an airtight container or Ziplock bag until used.

In addition to being fast, cheap, and easy, this is also perfect for dieters because it creates the perfect portion size (as long as you don't make another, or a double-layer cake... or triple)


THE ONE-MINUTE COOKIE

What you'll need:

Butter- 1 Tbl.

Granulated white sugar- 1 Tbl.

Dark brown sugar- 1 Tbl., firmly packed

Vanilla extract- 3 drops

Salt- a pinch

Egg yolk- 1

Plain flour- 3 Tbl.

Chocolate chips- 2 Tbl. (dieters should use dark choc. chips)

Directions:

Melt butter in the microwave, preferably in the same cup you are planning to make the cookie in (to make it mess free and simpler). The butter should not boil, it should be just melted.

Add the white and brown sugars, vanilla and salt and mix well to combine, using a spoon.

In goes the egg yolk. Mix it in properly till no traces of the yolk is seen.

Mix in the flour properly and then fold the chocolate chips.

Cook on high in the microwave for 40 seconds, or a maximum of 50 seconds.

Serve warm (maybe even with a dollop of ice cream, low-fat, of course).

Now, I know what you're saying: "Butter? Sugar? Chocolate Chips?" - I know! I know! But again, it's all about controlling your portions and satisfying your cravings so you don't overindulge.  And is probably the best diet advice you'll ever receive.

Now go and enjoy!  I do.