Report

The chocolate cake was a huge success. Very easy for an almost 5 year-old and an almost 3 year-old to help make. They were very proud of their creations and took a lot of ownership.

I think they were very happy to make cakes that we could share, too. We grown-ups could appreciate their skill in the kitchen. Even their imperfect mixing turned out OK.

Probably the reason that baby sister (6 mos) screamed when she had to go to bed was that she hadn't had her share of the cake and ice cream. So, Grammy distracted her with a few turns around the garage in the stroller - a good plan. And I could enjoy the sound of wind whipping through the tree branches as I wheeled around in the dark. Maybe next time she'll be old enough for some cake, too.

Testing

It's great to have friends who send you information. How else would we know about 5 Minute Chocolate Cake? And, it's even better when friends send it to you just before you have a big babysitting night with the grand-kids.

Since that's the case, we thought it would be a good idea to test it before we got the kids involved with making a cake. What if it didn't work? What if it 'sploded all over the microwave?

Well, as you can see it does work, it doesn't explode and it's pretty yummy, too.

This is supposed to serve one (decadently) and two (virtuously) but I think it will actually make four servings. Think warm brownie - with ice cream, of course.

Recipe review: we didn't add chocolate chips as some people have. We used less vanilla than some. The texture and taste is a lot like those chocolate pudding cakes that Mom used to make without the sauce part. Quite good without the additives. The easy factor? 9 out of 10 so I think the kids will be able to help make their own dessert tonight.

Thanks, Elaine...we needed that.