From My Kitchen: Vegan Brownies (Microwavable)

From My Kitchen: Vegan Brownies (Microwavable)

It’s that time of year when we start to look for ways to warm up when we come in from a blustery cold day. I like to warm up from the inside out. Okay, that sounds a little strange but hear me out. My favorite way is baking! What better way to warm up than by filling your home with the comforting sweet aroma of baked goods and the cozy chocolate taste of a nice hot brownie, or maybe an entire plate of brownies.

Yes, I’m a chocolate addict but even if I wasn’t my 15 year son would most certainly be willing to fill that role.  Brownies are a classic any time of the year but when the temps start to fall, my attention turns to those hot homemade treats fresh from the oven. In my case, my oven is on the fritz, so I have to turn to the microwave for my baking comforts.

In our household, we have switched to a more Plant-Based way of eating. This, however, does not stop us from indulging in the goodies occasionally. Brownies can be made with no animal products, thank goodness, and still turn out just as deliciously satisfying as the non plant-based version. So, without further ado, lets get to the baking.

It’s really very simple. In a small bowl, put 2 tablespoons of ground flax and 6 tablespoons of water. Stir them together and set them aside. In a mixing bowl, mix the dry ingredients, making sure to blend them together well. Next, add the wet ingredients and blend till smooth. Pour the mixture into a lightly sprayed microwave safe baking dish and microwave. Easy, huh? Okay, here is the full recipe.

Vegan Brownies (Microwavable)

1 1/2 Cups of All Purpose Flour

1/2 Cup of Cocoa Powder

1 teaspoon of Baking Powder

3/4 Cup of Sugar (I use Organic Raw Sugar)

2 Flax Eggs (See above preparation instructions)

1 Stick (or 1/2 cup) of a Plant-Based Butter melted (I used Country Crock)

1 Cup of Unsweetened Soy Milk

Lightly Sprinkle With Powdered Sugar (Optional)

In a small bowl, put 2 tablespoons of ground flax and 6 tablespoons of water. Stir them together and set them aside. In a mixing bowls, add flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and sugar. Blend these together thoroughly. While on the lowest electric mixer speed, add flax egg mixture, milk, and melted butter. Mix till the batter is smooth. Spray the baking dish with a fine coat of cooking spray. Pour the mixture into the baking dish, making sure to spread it evenly. Microwave on high for 10 to 12 minutes or until firm. Do the toothpick or fork test if you would like. They should come out clean. Let cool for at least 5 minutes. Sprinkle with a light dusting of Powdered Sugar before serving.

I hope you enjoy this recipe. I know we did. Check back for more Plant-Based recipes coming soon.

Top 5 Ways I Use Youtube

I personally love YouTube! Yes, you read that right. Can't tell you how many times I have used it for information from How-To's to just general entertainment. It is actually an extremely useful tool when used correctly. Here are the Top 5 Ways I Use YouTube.

1. Motivation There are times that I can have a huge problem with getting motivated to do things like clean the house or get things organized. There are so many videos on YouTube of people cleaning and their organizing ideas it will make your head spin. If you watch a few, it will get you in the mood to clean. It's like going to your best friends' house and seeing how clean theirs is. That usually makes me want to step it up. These videos, however, will show you how to clean and organize everything from your refrigerator to your garage to your car. 
   
2. Recipes Oh how I love recipes! On YouTube you can watch professional chefs and grandma cooking in her kitchen. Their are a wide range of recipes for food of almost any kind. There are also recipes for homemade products such as facial scrubs, hair products, dish soap, laundry soap, cleaning products, and even makeup. You need to know how to make it? Look it up on YouTube.
   
3. Movies, Music, Fitness There are movies of every genre on YouTube. Look it up and chances are that you will find it there. Some are pay, some are not. It all depends on what you want to watch. Plenty of documentaries in a variety of subjects are there too. If you want to see a music video, listen to a song, or see a performance of a song or event, chances are that some kind soul has uploaded it on YouTube. There are also multiple fitness programs as well. Tired of your usual workout? Give it a look! 
   
4. Reviews One of the most handy videos that you will find on YouTube are the reviews of products. Makeup, drinks, movies, books, cars, and other products' review videos are all over.  All you have to do is type in what you want to know about and the word review afterwards and there will be multiple choices. 
   
5. Education I love this aspect of YouTube. If you have a thirst for education, like me, this is the place to go. Books, lectures, and demonstrations are all over YouTube. Just type in what you are interested in learning about and chances are it is there. You can catch the news on YouTube also. Check it out, you could become one of the most educated people you know. 
   

Give YouTube a look!

Letting Your Inner Child Out

I often look at my son with a sense of wonder and amazement. His smile, his laugh, and his sense of fun and adventure. He has a natural curiosity for life.

Then I sit and think, whatever happened to those traits in me? Has life really taken that much of a toll on me that I can't find it in myself to live like a child? This gives me a renewed spirit of  how I want to live my life as. I don't want to be able to say that I never had any fun in my life. Yes my idea of fun might be slightly different, at times, than when I was 9 years old. Still, taking the time out to show my child that I enjoy life too gives him hope for the future. 

In the world we live in, day to day life can seem like a total drag. As adults, we see things in ways that a child cannot. Unfortunately, we let ourselves be bogged down by the bad things in the world and we forget to enjoy the good and simple things that it has to offer. We seem to always be in a rush and we drag our children, kicking and screaming, into this lifestyle. We need to remember to show ourselves and our children that no matter how old they are, they can enjoy life. They can stop to smell flowers and enjoy the beauty of nature. They can continue to play as adults and do things that they enjoy. And yes, they can sometimes eat their dessert before the actual meal.

My Top 5 Ways To Bring A Pleasant Scent To Your Home

Along with store bought spray scents, there are many other options for getting the scent that you want in your home that may not seem obvious. Here are my top 5 ways to make your house smell amazing!

1. Do you have a candle that you just absolutely love the scent of but it just doesn't burn right, stay lit, or is down to the lowest point on the wick? Try the electric candle warmer. I bought one about two months ago, and I swear it is the best purchase made in a long time. It warms the wax in the candle to get every last bit of scent out from it and the smell is stronger than just burning the candle. Not to mention that a candle warmer is safer than an open flame. Still make sure to place it where the heat cannot damage anything or that can't be a fire hazard.
2. You can also use that candle warmer for your Scentsy or store bought waxes. It works just as well and does not require an expensive burner. I paid less than $7 for a candle warmer. Make sure to put it in an empty candle grade glass that can withstand the heat.
3. Yes, we go back to the candle warmer for laundry scent boosters. This is a very effective way of making your home smell fresh and clean. I use Purex Crystals but I know some use Downy Unstopables which are just as scented. These options tend to last longer and fill the room faster with the scent you want. I use crystals because they are extremely easy to clean from the container used to warm them.  As in above, make sure to use a glass that can withstand the heat.
4. DIY Potpourri in a small pot on your stove is a great option also. There are several variations to DIY Potpourri. Here is mine: DIY Potpourri: Re-Purposing Over Ripe Apples . This is a refreshing option that uses things that you may already have at home. It is done on the stove top. Just remember to keep it at lowest heat and replenish the water frequently. 
   
5. This is one of my favorites! COOKING or making COFFEE! I love my Crock-Pot. The smell of the food fills the house and you get a warm meal at the end of the day. What can be better than that? Do some baking! Nothing yummier than the smell of bread baking or cookies or cakes. (Gotta stop with that, It's 6:15 in the morning and I'm starving!) The rewards are endless with this option and it makes your home smell fantastic. In a time crunch with unexpected visitors? Make some coffee, your home will smell great and you have something to serve your guests.
   

Give some of these a try, your home will smell great! As always, be safe when using heat for your scent options. Enjoy!

Miracle Whip Chocolate Cake

So you want to make a cake but you find yourself short a few ingredients.
Try this recipe for a delicious chocolate cake without eggs or oil.

Chocolate Miracle Whip Cake

2 Cups Flour
1 1/2 teaspoons Baking Powder
1 1/2 teaspoons Baking Soda
4 Tablespoons Baking Cocoa
1/8 teaspoon Salt
1 Cup Sugar
1 Cup Miracle Whip
1 Cup Water
2 teaspoons Vanilla


Combine all dry ingredients thoroughly, then mix in Miracle Whip, Water, and Vanilla until batter has no lumps. Pour into and 8 x 8 pan that is sprayed with nonstick spray. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 35-40 minutes.

I know, it sounds odd. All you will taste is chocolate goodness though, so give it a try!

Chocolate Brownie In A Cup

In the mood for something warm and chocolaty but don't have a lot of time? Give this recipe a try for a Brownie In A Cup!!

Brownie In A Cup

1/4 Cup Flour
2 Tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
1/4 Teaspoon Baking Powder
2 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar
1/8 Teaspoon Salt
1/3 Cup Milk
4 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil

Add dry ingredients to a microwave safe cup. Mix thoroughly. Add milk and oil and mix well, until there are no lumps. Microwave for two minutes on high. Let cool for 5 minutes. Enjoy!!

I'm eating mine right now, you go make your own!!