Madhuri's Microwave Chocolate Cake And A Li'l Gift For Her!

I have been having this on my mind for a long time now. I just did not find a good chunk of time to sit down and do this post at one go. So, I split it up in bits and saved pictures and drafts along the way.. and today, finally I hit 'Publish Post'! Yes, Madhuri, this one is (again) for you. Those of you who don't already know , Madhuri and I were school mates and have now connected through online networking and most recently through food blogging. If you have'nt already taken a peek into her space, do so @ Cook-curry Nook.

Although my blog happens to be couple months older (half a year I guess!)than hers, I must admit her repertoire of recipes is way more exhaustive and delicious than what I have stocked up. Her pictures speak for themselves and make you want to immediately get your hands on the ingredients and try out what she has put up. So, one such recipe that had me at the first look was her uber-decadent Eggless,butterless 5-minute Microwave Chocolate Cake. I simply HAD to try it. And, that I sure did.

But before we dive into the tried and tested recipe, I have a little something to share. These days if there is anyone's blog that I look up for recipes, it is Madhuri's. I love how she explains things out, making cooking seem like a very enjoyable task...especially for a person like me, who would run out of the kitchen given a chance! So, I designed this ...um, let's call it a badge, shall we? Yeah, I designed this JnJ Inspirational Blogger Badge for her, to let her know she does so in every way. JnJ?? No, that's not a typo! Read on - Yes Madhuri, you inspire me with your cooking pretty much the way Julie Powell was by Julia Child to try out all of her recipes. So here you go..this one is for you - The Julie & Julia Inspirational Blogger Badge!!

Madhuri, you could share this with anyone you think inspires you in a similar way - or better yet, just keep it!! :D

Now, for the ultimate, super-quick, super-yummmmmmy cake recipe. I downsized it a bit and made some adjustments, which I've written down to guide you through the recipe. The major change of course was that I added Chocolate syrup instead of Cocoa powder which made my cake very gooey and fudge-like in the end. I like cakes that way so it was fine. But, if you like your cakes a wee bit dry then go for the cocoa powder (Psst...I tried that version too. Just goes to prove how much I love chocolate cake, does'nt it?)

Ingredients
1 1/4 Cups All purpose flour/Maida
4-5tbsp Hersheys Cocoa Syrup (OR 1/3 Cup Cocoa powder)
1 1/4 Cup Brown Sugar, firmly packed
3/4th tsp Baking Powder
1/3rd tsp Baking Soda
1.5 tsp Vanilla essence
3 tsp Flax seed powder mixed in 3/4 cup warm water (substituting 3 eggs)
1/3 Cup Milk(I used whole milk)
1/3 Cup Oil (I used Corn Oil)
A pinch of salt

Method
- Sift the flour into a large preparation bowl
- Add the brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt and mix
- Stir in the milk, oil and vanilla essence to make a smooth batter making sure there are no lumps
- Add the chocolate syrup and blend with your spatula
- Pour the flax seed powder mixed in warm water and mix well to make a silky textured cake batter
- Taste the batter to see if it is 'chocolatey' enough. If not add more syrup/cocoa powder
- Pour the batter into a microwave safe glass bowl. Madhuri suggests using a wide bowl, which is what I did
- Cover with cling wrap and make slits in the wrap to allow steam to escape
- Cook on high for about 8 minutes. Check and add more time if you feel the cake needs more cooking
- Once done, remove the cling wrap and allow it to rest up a tad bit - around 10 minutes.
- Insert a toothpick in the center of the cake to check if it is done. You could opt to check in another couple of spots too, since unlike the traditional/conventional oven, microwave heat (I think) does not spread very evenly.
- Let cool a few more minutes. Cut up into slices and decorate with your choice of toppings. I have used confectioner's sugar, clementine slices and dried blueberries.
- Serve warm (That's how I had mine)

This Makes about 12-15 thick, delicious slices of chocolate cake!

One helluva recipe I tell ya. I can see myself make it so very often! Danke, Madhuri...so so much! I just might try experimenting with it too, so watch out for this space.

Oh and yes, for those of you who loved the badge, go ahead - pick it up and share it with those who you think deserve it. Spread the inspiration!