Instant gratification: Two ways to make a chocolate mug cake in the microwave

WHEN YOU'VE GOT FEW INGREDIENTS ON HAND ...

MAKE A BASIC CHOC MUG CAKE

Makes: 1

Ingredients:

¼ cup cake flour

¼ cup sugar

3 tbsp cocoa powder

1 large egg

3 tbsp milk

3 tbsp oil

1 tsp vanilla extract

Cream or custard, to serve (optional)

Method:

1. Mix the flour, sugar and cocoa powder in a 300ml mug.
2. Stir in the egg, milk, oil and vanilla extract.
3. Microwave on high for 3 minutes.
4. Cool slightly and serve with cream or custard, if desired.

WHEN YOUR PANTRY IS WELL STOCKED ...

MAKE CHOCOLATE AND PECAN MUG CAKES

Makes: 4

Ingredients:

125ml (½ cup) flour

2.5ml (½ tsp) baking powder

125ml (½ cup) sugar

45ml (3 tbsp) cocoa powder

2 large eggs

90ml (⅓ cup) milk

90ml (⅓ cup) oil

50g pecan nuts, chopped

4 squares milk or dark chocolate

4 squares white chocolate

Method:

1. In a mixing bowl combine the flour, baking powder, sugar and cocoa.
2. Whisk in the eggs, then the milk and oil.
3. Add the nuts and mix well to combine.
4. Divide the batter between 4 paper or china cups or mugs. Using the back of a spoon, press a square of each type of chocolate into the middle of each cup.
5. Cook two at a time in the microwave on full power for 2-3 minutes. Rather undercook than overcook.
6. Remove from the microwave and leave to stand for 5 minutes before serving.