When talking about cravings, we invariably think of something sweet, most likely of chocolate. But you can’t always have chocolate available at home, so you need to make something that satisfies you and is super easy too.

Once again, here is an easy mug recipe, made in the microwave in one minute flat, with absolutely no help needed from an adult. This microwave mug brownie is so easy and super tasty that it will make you feel like a master chef. And you know what one of my favourite dessert is when I visit a restaurant? It’s brownie, especially if they serve it with a scoop of ice cream on top. And it had been a long time since we went out to eat, I decided to recreate that feeling by making this recipe because I luckily had some ice cream leftover in the freezer, which nobody had miraculously finished off.

This is enough for a small mug serving. If you are thinking of sharing it, then double the ingredients.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder

• 3 tablespoons water

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips*

• Ice cream or whipped topping, optional for serving

Method

In a small microwave-safe bowl/mug, add the flour, sugar, cocoa, water, oil and vanilla and whisk to combine. Don’t over mix. Add the chocolate chips on top.

Cook on high power in the microwave for about one minute, or until the brownie is set in the centre. Since overcooking will make the brownie hard, I recommend stopping to check at the 45-second mark and going from there in 15-second bursts as necessary.

Let it sit for five minutes to cool a bit, then add ice cream or whipped topping and enjoy it while still warm and fresh.

There’s no baking powder or baking soda in this recipe, which is why the texture stays denser and more brownie-like rather than cakey.

And since there is no egg in this, no milk or butter, it is vegan and diary-free, for those who want it this way.

Published in Dawn, Young World, August 15th, 2020