As a grandmother, I am always on the lookout for fun activities to do with my grandchildren.  I don't want to do the same old thing every time they come for a visit because that's BORING!  

When you spend time together cooking, you're having fun and helping them improve their culinary skills.  For a beginning baker -- or when you just want a quick treat -- try making a cake in a cup.  It's easy.  It's fun.  And, it's very tasty!  Here's the recipe:

Cake in a Cup

Spray a large microwaveable mug with cooking spray.  Then, in the mug combine:

5 tablespoons flour

2 tablespoons cocoa powder

2 tablespoons sugar

1/8 teaspoon baking powder

1/8 teaspoon salt

Stir and then add the following:

1 tablespoons oil

1 tablespoons milk

2 tablespoons apple sauce (or you can use milk)

1/4 tsp white vinegar

Stir thoroughly and place mug in the microwave.  Cook on full power for 1-2 minutes, watching all the time.

When it's done, place the mug upside down on a plate for a couple of minutes.  Then pick both the mug and the plate up and give them a couple of shakes to get the cake out. If it doesn't come out easily, that's okay.  Just scoop it out and put on a plate -- or just eat directly from the cup.

Once you've made this recipe, experiment with it!!!  Add choc chips, M&Ms, chopped nuts or use orange juice for the liquid.  Top with ice cream or whipped topping.

This makes a large serving -- maybe too much for a grandmother to eat in one sitting.  If you're making this recipe with a small grandchild, one cake in a cup recipe will be sufficient for both of you to eat.

When would be a good time to make this recipe?

    * On a lazy Saturday afternoon when your grandchildren come to visit and you don't really have anything planned to do

    * When you gather as a family on Super Bowl Sunday (before the game starts or at half time)

    * After playing games with your grandchildren

    * When you and your grandchild have the munchies but you don't want to spend the time to make a whole cake (and you wanna eat something RIGHT NOW!)

    * On your grandchild's 'six-month birthday' (when his birthday is still half a year away)

    * On Ground Hog's day (because it's too stormy and cold to play outside with your grandchild)

    * When you want to 'teach' a young grandchild some culinary skills

    * On any day of the week that ends with a Y

    * Just whenever!

This is such a fun and easy cake to make, this just might become a 'regular' on your menu.  For variations of this recipe visit Grandma Ideas at http://grandmaideas.com.

Bon appetit!