Microwave Brownies

Have you ever just NEEDED something sweet AND chocolate but couldn't find anything in the cupboard or fridge? I was in this predicament a week ago and since it is so hot and humid this time of year (most days lately it's 94% humidity), there was no way I was going to fire up the oven. So I searched for something I could make in the microwave. I have tons of unsweetened chocolate, and just biting off a chunk is not that satisfying. In my search, I went to my favorite website, www.foodnetwork.com and found a recipe for Microwave Brownies. I have made it 3 times and it comes out perfect each time. So, I want to share this with my 'chocoholic' readers. 

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 3 ounces unsweetened chocolate
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  

Directions

Put the butter and chocolate into a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds to melt the chocolate. Set aside. 

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar. 

In a large bowl sift the flour with the baking powder and salt. Add the egg and chocolate mixtures along with the vanilla and stir well to combine. 

Spray an 8 by 8 by 2-inch or 8-inch round microwave-safe glass pan with cooking spray. Pour the batter into the pan, spread it out evenly, and scatter the chocolate chips on top. Cook on high for 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and let rest for 3 minutes before cutting and eating.

(Mine comes out perfect each time at 5 minutes)

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Tortas (Sandwiches)

Tortas are a wonderful lunchtime meal. Yes, meal. They are so full of meat, cheese, and veggies that I do consider them a meal.

Start with a very large fresh bread roll, about twice the size of a hamburger bun. Cut it into two halves as you would a hamburger bun.

On both interior sides, smear a thin layer of butter and place on a hot grill pan to lightly toast. Keep the grill hot. When it is toasted (lightly), smear on a thin layer of mayonnaise on each half.

The meat you use is solely your choice. I like ham and chicken together. The ham should be sliced thin and the chicken can be sliced or shredded. If using sliced meats, you can put on 2-3 pieces of each meat. Top that with a slice of your favorite cheese. Now you can add a slice of tomato – you will need 2 slices if your roll is large. Slice some avocado on now. Pickled jalapeños go on next. Remember that most canned jalapeños outside Mexico are not very hot (spicy). Place another piece of cheese on top of those and put the other piece of roll on top to complete the sandwich.

Place the torta top side down on the hot grill. After the torta is heated – NOT browned – carefully turn it over and heat the other side. Place a lid over the torta to assist in melting the cheese. Do not compress the torta as you would a panini. Serve with a cold beer!

We eat tortas as often as we can. The best place to get them in Mazatlán you ask............why the cafeteria at the Hospital Clinica del Mar! I know, it surprised us too! 

 

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