Quick & Easy

There are times you need a quick dessert but dread heating up the kitchen by baking.  With the arrival of warmer weather it is nice to find something you can make that tastes good, is easy to make but doesn't require baking.  If you are thinking that cake is out of the question, you will be surprised.

'Baking' a cake in the microwave is quick and easy, especially if you take a short cut and use a boxed mix.  Two minutes to mix, eight minutes in the microwave and TA DA!!!  CAKE!

There are many containers that work for this.  Silicone baking pans are excellent and allow you a variety of shapes and sizes and glass baking dishes work well also.  Whatever container you decide to use be sure it is not made of metal  and is microwave safe.

Directions:

Mix cake according to directions on the box or follow your usual recipe.  Generously spray your baking dish with cooking spray.  Pour mixed batter into baking dish (I used a 2 quart glass casserole dish).  'Bake' in microwave for 8 minutes at full power.  If your microwave doesn't have a turning table you'll need to give the cake a quarter of a turn every 2 to 3 minutes.  After the 8 minutes is up the center should look a bit shiny, but not watery and the edges of the cake should be coming away from the sides of the dish.  If the center is still runny give it another minute to cook.  (My microwave is 1200 watts and cooks the cake in 7 Minutes 45 seconds.)

Allow the cake to cool for about 15 minutes and remove from dish if you choose.  The cake can be frosted, glazed or used in any other way you prefer. 

I made some cheesecake flavored pudding and Nathan put it on top of a slice of cake and topped it with whipped cream.

From Food

I chose to make a small trifle (of sorts) with part of the cake.  I cut bite size pieces of cake and layered it on the bottom of a glass bowl.  I then added a layer of the pudding and topped it with raspberries (juices and all).  Then another layer of cake  topped by more pudding and then whipped cream.  Cover and refrigerate.

Trifles made in clear glass bowls make a beautiful presentation and are easy to serve.