I Won! I Won!!

I got an email today from Penguin publishing to tell me that I have won Jamie Oliver's new book, "Jamie's Ministry of Food". Woot!! I'm so excited! I never win anything. And all for just getting the Penguin newsletter each month.

I think Jamie Oliver rocks. I really dig his passion for using his craft to change the world. He's not just making expensive meals at some exclusive restaurant. Nope, he's trying to change the way that Britain, and indeed the world, views food, changing nutrition and also working with getting kids off the streets and into a good solid career. You've got to admire someone with that kind of passion for what he does and for making a difference. I'm really excited about winning a copy of this latest book - anything that encourages me to cook more than I do is a good thing!

To be honest, I LOVE to cook. But I just don't bother most of the time because I'm only feeding myself. So I go for something simple, convenient and with my nutty busy lifestyle, quick. Not that I'm into junk food in a big way, but I tend to go for things I can just toss together quickly, OR I go for things I can cook up in a huge bulk lot and freeze. And it does get a bit dull - I miss spending an afternoon in the kitchen and coming up with a fabulous meal.

Maybe I need to throw more dinner parties. I am a great cook, really!

The World's Most Dangerous Recipe

So a bunch of people are sharing recipes on their 23 Things blogs. Well have I got a recipe for you all! Cop this:

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE

Ingredients

4 tablespoons cake flour (plain flour, not self-raising)
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons baking cocoa
1 egg 3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips(optional)
a small splash of vanilla

1 coffee mug

Method

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 (if using) and vanilla essence, and mix again.

Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes (in a 1000 watt oven). 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. EAT! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous).

And why is 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!