When the beast comes calling (or a quick chocolatey snack)

So I know that I have just started this whole Pura Vida thing, and so some people are going to call foul on this.  But I know my body and tastes and I've learned a few things from the times I've tried to "diet."

1. I still have cravings for chocolate.
2. They get bigger the more I ignore them.
3. I WILL give in to them.
4. When I do, I'll overindulge and blow my morale and any advances I've made.

So today (after a day tainted with some really bad emotions), I really wanted some chocolate.  But I wanted something small.  After searching the internet for a bit, I came across the following recipe for the Improved 5-Minute Chocolate Cake.  I played around with it a little and ended up with this:

In a large, microwavable coffee mug, mix:

• 5 tbs flour
• 3 tbs cocoa powder
• 2 1/2 tbs sugar
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/8 tsp salt

Mix thoroughly, then add

• 5 tbs milk
• 1 tbs oil
• 1/2 tsp vanilla

 Microwave for about a minute (will still be some liquid-y batter, if you don't like this, cook for 20-30 seconds more).  Add a small spoonful of peanut butter on the top.

It was the perfect amount to satisfy my sweet tooth.  It's certainly not healthy, but it's better than the kind of splurge I have usually.

What small (healthyish) snacks do you use as your standby?

ADDENDUM:
So the other night, I went to make this, only to find out we had no milk.  But we had heavy whipping cream...which made this 10 million times better. Seriously.  You might need to add a little water, because it makes the batter super thick.

Birthday Pie--Take One

So if you follow my other blog, you know that yesterday was my birthday.  The husband and I did a very low-key evening at home, and for my guilt free desert (because you can eat anything guilt free on your birthday), I made a chocolate pie.  It turned out good enough to post, but I'm going to make some changes in the recipe for you guys.  Hope you enjoy!

The first draft of the pie.  Yours will look different.

Ingredients:

• Oreo pie crust
• One cup milk chocolate chips
• One package neufchatal cheese
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup cocoa
• 1/4 cup milk
• Walnuts to garnish

1. Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler.  Add a splash of milk to thin.  Spread over bottom of Oreo pie crust.  Allow to cool. 
2. Mix the neufchatal, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Add the cocoa and milk, mix until thoroughly combined.  Spread over chocolate layer. 
4. Garnish with walnuts.
5. Allow to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. (Best the next day)

I changed the layering because the chocolate becomes so hard that when you cut the pie, the soft layer just oozed out.  You could also do a thinner layer of chocolate, but that's just no fun. Is it?