5 Minute Chocolate Cake in a Mug

So, I assume you've heard about the blizzard... or the blizzaster, or snomg or snowzilla or whatever other made up word you've heard. Let's just say it was CRAZY! Over 50 mph wind gusts and almost 20" of snow here in Chicago. My husband is a police officer and worked last night. He said it was awful and probably the hardest shift he's ever worked. It took him over an hour to get to work (he had to leave in the middle of the blizzard) - a trip which usually takes him 15 minutes. There were abandoned cars in the middle of the street and the only way to get to work was to drive on sidewalks! It took him over 2 hours to get home due to some massive accidents on the expressway. Then when he finally got to our street there was a semi jackknifed a block away. Overnight there was one call after another to help citizens stuck on the road. There was one call that was a domestic, but there was no way to drive to it. Because they are required to respond, he and his partner had to walk 3 blocks in the blizzard and snow up to their knees (they can't wear snow pants, mind you), then when they get back to the car they have to dig it out. Hopefully the people weren't just fighting over what channel to watch on TV (because they do that... and then call the police... no joke). Here are some pics of our patio.

  This is a before pic - we got about 1.5 inches the night before the blizzard. This is our fire pit, grill in the corner and a little of our steps.

Here's after... you can't see the last 3 steps or the fire pit

There's our grill... covered in a snow drift

Anyway, I thought I'd post a recipe perfect for a snowed in day like today, although it's not new to me. You should have everything in your house (that is if you went to the store before the storm hit!).

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE
4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional) *I don't recommend chocolate chips... maybe peanut butter??
a small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug

-Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well with a fork.
-Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
-Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.
-Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.
-Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes on High.
-The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!
-Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired (it takes a while to cool if you leave it in the mug... be careful!).
-EAT! This can serve 2 people if you want to share the calories!!

Disclaimer, it doesn't look pretty, but it's good in the tummy! This may be this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night! So, make with caution (and don't tell Michelle Obama ;) ).