Moist Chocolate Mug Cake (Vegan)

This post needs to start with a complete disclosure.  This is not my recipe.  I found this chocolately delight late one night when searching the inter webs for an easy late night snack.

Much love and credit to Julie at Table for Two.  She originally developed this recipe!

Moist Chocolate Mug Cake
makes 1

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ tsp. baking powder
• 2 tbsp. granulated sugar (you can add 1 tbsp. more if you like it a bit sweeter)
• ⅛ tsp. salt
• ¼ cup + 1 tbsp. milk (soy milk or almond milk is fine)
• 2 tbsp. neutral flavored oil (I like canola but you could also use canola)
• Optional - 1 tbsp. hazelnut chocolate spread OR chocolate chips (not both - use one or the other)

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together dry ingredients.
2. Whisk in the milk and oil until all ingredients are combined and batter has no clumps.
3. Spray 1 mug with cooking spray. (I use Pam Baking spray but some people skip this step entirely)
4. Pour batter into a microwave-safe mug. Mine was a 14-ounce mug. You want enough head space for the cake to rise without pouring over.
5. Microwave mug cake for 70 seconds on high (PLEASE READ NOTES CAREFULLY BELOW)
6. Leave the microwave door closed and allow the cake to rest for 60 seconds.
7. Carefully remove from microwave and enjoy!

Top with ice cream, whipped cream or just eat it plain!

Notes:

Please note that ALL microwaves are different therefore can yield different results and can overcook this mug cake if you aren't careful. My microwave is 950 watts and I cooked mine on 100% power for 70 seconds. Knowing this information, it may help you better judge how long to cook yours for and at what power.

**This recipe is specifically made for the microwave.

More Mug Cakes

This post is courtesy of Mocha Kathy.

Wellness - Keeping the Holiday Spirit

Do you have the Holiday Spirit??!!! 

In the midst of the holiday season, there may be people who don't have any parties on their calendar, families to enjoy, or friends to celebrate with. There may be people having financial problems at this time of perilous spending, a loss of a job, a death in the family, an illness, or stress. Somebody might just be feeling down or unappreciated. 

We must remember and cherish these times to keep ourselves in good spirits and help lift other people's spirits. You never know what a person may be going through. The holidays are sometimes the toughest times of the year, but also can be the happiest times of the year!! 

Here a few ways to keep your Holiday Spirit:

1. Remember your higher being and the reason for the season!
2. Spend uninterrupted quality time with family & good friends!
3. Play Christmas music! And sing along to the songs!!
4. Decorate EVERYTHING! Deck the halls & trim the tree!!! 
5. Bake something!! Don't forget Santa's cookies! 
6. If you are invited to a party, GO!! Or better yet, host a party!! Any party! 
7. Do some shopping & start wrapping gifts! It's never too early! 
8. Watch a Christmas movie! (our favorite)
9. Mail your holiday cards
10. Call a family member or new & old friends just to chat! 
11. Put your feet up and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa!
12. Give back and donate, help someone in need, or show someone you care :-)

Because...this truly is the most wonderful time of the year!!!!!

This blog post is courtesy of Mocha Tiffany K. 

View all of our Wellness Topics HERE!

FUNdraiser Fashion Show

The Bergen County Mocha Moms hosted its "Wild About Winter" fashion show, and holiday party at The Fiesta this past Thursday in Wood-Ridge. A portion of the proceeds benefited the Shelter of Sisters.

Here are the pictures from this amazing night!

Many thanks to the event organizer Tiffany Kerr.  
Photo Credit: Robert Pytel  

This event was featured on 201 Magazine and on Bergen.com.

Menstrual Cups

Several of the ladies were having a conversation about menstrual cups over the weekend.  Here is a little more information.

Lydia Ojuka is a fan of the Daisy Cup for holistic/health reasons.  She has less cramping and shorter periods.  There's also the added benefit of avoiding the toxins  associated with disposable products.




There is a teenage girl in the UK named Bree Farmer.  She is basically the menstrual cup guru.  I'll let Bree explain everything you ever wanted to know about cups but were afraid to ask:

First, the Basics

How do you choose a cup?

You can find all of Bree's videos on You Tube.  Check out her YouTube Channel at Precious Stars Pads.

For more information you can also visit this blog.

House Helpers - Ending Bathroom Stink

We need to have a frank talk about an embarrassing problem.  The problem, my friends, is Bathroom Stink!

We are a family of 5 and trust me when I tell you that bathroom stink is a very real issue!  The good news is that we've solved the problem quickly and cheaply and I'll show you how!

The key here is to PREVENT bathroom stink rather than to try and cover it after the fact.

There are lots of commercial products on the market for this purpose.  Most notably a toilet spray called Poo Pourri.  I have nothing bad to say about Poo Pourri - it works.   The problem is that it is (in my opinion) needlessly expensive!

Poo Pourri Toilet Spray

No. 2 Toilet Spray

DIY Toilet Spray

First, let’s review the basic concept:

If you add scented oil to the toilet water before you add anything stinky to the toilet, the smell gets trapped under the layer of oil.

How it works

Based on that concept, you could ANY scented oil.   This, my friends, is a DIY opportunity!

Leaving the bathroom smelling clean and fresh!

Making a DIY Version - 
Because you're just adding scented oil to the toilet water, any scented oil will work.  Apply 2-4 drops of essential oil in toilet water before you make a deposit leaves the ladies room smelling clean and fresh.

My family likes Lemon oil best.    

Lemon Oil

If you'd rather have a spray - No Problem!

If you decide that you’d rather have a bottle for spray, no problem, add 40-50 drops of scented oil to a 2 oz bottle of water (or alcohol) and make a spray.  Add 2-3 squirts of spray to the toilet before you go and voila!  You’re all set!

Blogger and Super Woman Jillee has a Poo Pourri knock off too.  Here's her recipe!

Pro Tips: 

• Make a label with instructions for the drops or the spray.  It’s counter intuitive to spray the toilet BEFORE you go.  A few simple instructions solve this problem quickly.  **Instruction wording listed below.
• Also, in the spirit of being delicate and ladylike, we call these “Doo Drops” or “No 2 Spray”
• Make sure the drops hit the water.  If they hit the side of the bowl and have to slide down into the bowl, they take a little longer to work. 
• You can add the drops after you’re already begun to go, but for best results put the drops in as soon as you discover that you need them.
• Husbands or (teenage boys) might require a few extra drops.
• If you buy scented oil online, it might not come in dropper bottles.  You can buy glass dropper bottles online. They are called Euro Droppers and they're available at Amazon.com or Etsy.com.

Euro Dropper Glass Bottles

Other Helpful Tips:

*  Keep a little bottle of essential oil in your purse to mask "nature's call" when you're out and about or visiting friends.

*  If you've visiting friends and family and you don't have your drops on hand, check for bath oil, perfume or tea tree oil.  All three work well in masking unpleasant toilet smells.  Just make sure to add them to the bowl BEFORE you go.  

*  If you're having a party or gathering at your home, every hour or so add a few drops (or squirts) to the toilet for who ever visits the bathroom next.

Leave drops (with instructions) in the bathroom

** Words for Instruction Label:

"DOO Drops"  To reduce or eliminate bathroom odor: Add 2-4 drops of Doo Drops (to toilet water) before you drop a "doo".

Blog Post Courtesy of Mocha Kathy W.

#BlackBoysMatter

In solidarity with Mocha Mom, Inc. #BlackBoysMatter campaign we take this moment to remind the world that our sons matter.

#BlackBoysMatter  #Repost

Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese

At a recent support meeting one of our Mocha Sisters was adamant that boxes and cans would have no place in her holiday feast.  She also insisted that American cheese slices had no place in proper Mac and Cheese. 

This is a recipe that i'm sure would meet her approval!

Sweetie Pie’s Macaroni & Cheese (serves 12-24)

Ingredients:
1 pound elbow macaroni
1 cup whole milk
2 12-ounce cans evaporated milk
3 eggs
1 cup butter, cut into small pieces
½ pound Colby cheese, grated
½ pound Monterey Jack cheese, grated
½ pound sharp Cheddar cheese, grated
1 pound Velveeta cheese, cut into small chunks
½ cup sour cream
Salt, to taste
1 TB white pepper
1 TB sugar
1 cup grated mild Cheddar cheese for the topping

Instructions:
Heat oven to 350° F. Prepare a deep sided 9×13 pan by coating with cooking spray. Set aside.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt, and cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until tender. Drain and transfer the macaroni noodles to the baking pan.
While the macaroni is cooking, combine the milks and eggs in a large bowl. Whisk until thoroughly combined. Add the butter, cheeses, sour cream, salt, pepper, and sugar and stir to combine. Pour over the macaroni and stir to combine. Top with the grated mild Cheddar cheese.

Bake for 30 to 45 minutes or until the top is lightly golden brown.

This recipe is courtesy of Mocha Aliya N. from the NYC chapter.

Wellness - Dress Well / Feel Well

"No matter how you feel, Get Up, Dress Up, Show Up, and never give up!"

This should be our everyday motto as women and mothers! What better way to feel well, be well and live well than to also dress well? 

Dressing Up Helps You Develop a Routine

Picture this scenario: the buzz of your alarm goes off and you roll out of bed, ready to take on the day. A good way to ensure that this becomes a part of your morning routine is to lay out an outfit the night before. A routine is a wonderful way to set your gears in motion and begin the day on the right foot. You will feel awake and alert in no time, and that outfit you laid out the night before will boost your confidence and in turn motivation, preparing you for your busy schedule.

Dressing Up Makes You Feel More Confident

Showing up anywhere, dressed up, allows us to feel confident and motivated, which is the key step to having a successful day. These traits begin with ourselves; looking in the mirror before walking out of the door can greatly boost our confidence. Your mirror reflection can aid in this; especially if you love the outfit you are in. Feeling confident and comfortable at the beginning of the day will increase your productivity and self-assurance. Instead of sitting in the back, assertively take that front seat for yourself. Show the world that you look good, you feel good, and you are going to succeed. This inner-confidence will radiate throughout as you put time and a little extra effort into your image.

Here are a few fashionable quotes to keep us inspired and uplifted to be our best selves, present ourselves well, take pride in ourselves and have fun dressing up....(especially for our upcoming holiday party!! Hint Hint!!) ;-)

1. You can never be overdressed or overeducated - Oscar Wilde

2. A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous - Coco Chanel

3. In case of doubt, overdress. –Anon

4. We are all made up of the same skin and bones. What separates us is what we dress over it – Stefania Yarhi

5. "The only rule is don’t be boring and dress cute wherever you go. Life is too short to blend in.” – Paris Hilton

6. “Style is a way to say who are without having to speak” -Rachel Zoe

7. “I love being a woman, I like dressing up, I love buying shoes.” -Carly Fiorine

For more information about Bergen County Mocha Moms, 

join us for our 

Winter White Fashion Show/Holiday Party!

Thursday, December 4, 2014, 7:30pm

@ The Fiesta, 255 Route 17 South, Wood Ridge, NJ 07075

This will be a classy adult affair! Mochas, family and friends are welcome! Join us for an evening of fashion, food, music and dancing! A night of fun for all to celebrate the holidays! Get your dancing shoes ready!
Cost is $40 per person and must be paid through www.paypal.com to bergencountymochamoms@yahoo.com. The deadline for payment is Saturday, 11/22.
If you have any questions, please contact bergencountymochamoms@yahoo.com.
We are looking forward to a memorable evening and hope you can join us!

Blog post courtesy of Mocha Tiffany K.