The Most Dangerous Chocolate Cake!

Is there anything more comforting and great tasting than Chocolate? 

 

The better news is that dark chocolate contains flavonoids which act as antioxidants that are good for your heart! A small amount of chocolate can help to lower blood pressure and reduce bad (LDL) cholesterol. Of course small is the key word here.

 

Creating delicious chocolates has become its own art form, and the good news is that there is a great deal of art to be appreciated.  Of course, fine chocolates can be quite pricey, but this can help to make sure that you capture the health benefits without going overboard.

 

A couple of years ago, we did a chocolate taste test throughout Manhattan.  While almost all the chocolates were quite good, the best were at Kee’s located on Thompson Street in Manhattan http://www.keeschocolates.com/.  Of course, it’s also hard to go wrong with Jacque Torres, Vosges, and Michel Cluizel’s creations, but the clear best were the Thai Chili and Smoked Salt truffles at Kee’s.  And the exciting news is that they now have a retail storefront in a bank building in Midtown Manhattan. 

 

Last weekend, we took a day trip to Kent CT, for a hike along the Housatonic River with our dogs.  Kent is a quaint New England town, boasting a number of interesting art galleries and shops. One important find was Belgique Patisserie and Chocolatier.  The store itself is charming and has excellent coffee and beautiful pastries.  Of course the reason for taking this schlep is to taste the fantastic chocolates. The round chocolate mendiants (“little beggars”—one bite and you’re begging for more) with candied fruit, nuts and ginger on top are one of the best foods I have ever tasted; this place can give Kee’s a real run for their money.   Unfortunately there’s no way to get these except by visiting the store.  But if you take the journey and get some exercise on one of the many nearby hiking trails, you can alleviate your guilt and indulge yourself.

 

Now that your taste buds are salivating, here’s an easy, dangerous chocolate cake recipe—from a friend in Australia.

The Most Dangerous Chocolate Cake

4 tablespoons flour

4 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons cocoa

1 egg

3 tablespoons milk

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

3 tablespoons chocolate chips

A small splash of vanilla extract

1 large coffee mug

Ice Cream (optional)

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well. Add the chocolate chips and vanilla extract, and mix again.

Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes on a high setting. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed! Allow the cake to cool a little, and you’re ready to go… Of course, you can also carefully remove the cake from the cup, and put it onto a plate with a side of ice cream!

You may ask why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world? Because you can eat delicious chocolate cake at any time of the day or night in only 5 minutes!

Enjoy the Health Benefits!