My Favorite Chocolate Cake Recipe + Best Sales

Happy Wednesday!

I am sharing my favorite chocolate cake recipe today.  This is by far the best chocolate cake.  It is very easy to make, and doesn't take long to put together or bake.  I love it so much that I have made it three times while quarantined at my house during our "stay at home" order.  It is great served with ice cream - caramel sauce - or even on its own.

One thing I have realized during this time at home is that I love to bake.  My husband does most of the cooking, but I do the baking - both desserts and breads.  I am so thankful that we share in the cooking responsibility - it has made life a lot easier!  Later this week, I plan to share some of the healthy meals we have made from scratch.  

I am also sharing a round-up of the best sales.  As I mentioned before, now is a good time to stock up on some of the basic staples that are on sale for anywhere from 50-70% off - at a lot of stores!

MY DAILY FINDS & DEALS

This cozy sweatshirt is on sale for 50% off.

I just ordered this - I can't wait to use it to make dressings and smoothies.

This spring jacket is an extra 60% off.

These fuzzy slippers are 60% off.

These pearl hair clips (set of 4) are on sale for $7.

This v-neck waffle knit tee is 40% off.

These leopard biker shorts are on sale for 50% off.

This sweater is on sale for $14 - comes in two great colors.

These leopard sneakers are on sale for $14.

This cardigan is on sale for $12 with free shipping both ways.

This tie front shirt is $14.

I shared my favorite beauty and hair products HERE.

I shared what I have bought from Walmart + Amazon HERE.

MORE DEALS

UNDER $15 DEALS

Tie Front Top (Only $14) // Cardigan (Only $12)
(Free Shipping Both Ways)

MOLTEN CHOCOLATE CAKE RECIPE

4 ounces semi-sweet baking chocolate (I use this chocolate.)

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter

1 tablespoon Cabernet Sauvignon

1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract

1 cup confectioners' sugar (I don't use the full amount.)

2 eggs

1 egg yolk

6 tablespoons flour

1/4 teaspoon Ground Saigon Cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon Ground Ginger (optional)

1/8 teaspoon Ground Cloves (optional)

Preheat oven to 425°F. Butter 4 (6-ounce) custard cups or soufflé dishes. 

Microwave chocolate and butter in large microwavable bowl on high 1 minute or until butter is melted. Stir with whisk until chocolate is completely melted. Stir in wine, vanilla and confectioners' sugar until well blended. Stir in eggs and yolk. Stir in flour, cinnamon, ginger and cloves. Pour batter evenly into prepared custard cups.

Bake 13 to 15 minutes or until sides are firm but centers are soft. Let stand 1 minute. Carefully loosen edges with small knife. Invert cakes onto serving plates.  (I only bake mine for 8 minutes. My oven bakes fast - and I like them to be very molten in the middle.)

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Best Chocolate Cake in 15 Minutes

Happy Monday!

I am sharing my cardigan set styled with both a black and off white (or ivory) cardigan.  It was the most popular post of last month.  I bought that tube top for $5, and it can be worn under the cardigan or on its own.  For summer, I probably would style it with these sandals - instead of the boots.

 One of my favorite desserts is this chocolate cake that I make in 15 minutes. It is a lava/molten chocolate cake - and it is super easy to make.  And, in my opinion, the best chocolate cake.  It takes longer for the over to warm up - than it takes to actually make the cake. Also, you can put the cake in the refrigerator overnight, and the next day it turns into more of a fudge consistency - that you can eat cold.

SHOP MY LOOK

Cardigan (Only $18) // Tube Top // Jeans // Combat Boots // Necklace + Charm // Heels

MY DAILY FINDS & DEALS

This lilac leather jacket for 65% off.

This comfy sweatshirt.

I like these chunky heeled sandals.

I love the color of this sweatshirt for $17.

This new summer cardigan.

These ankle booties - great price - perfect for spring.

This charm necklace for $19.

This zip up sweatshirt - on sale and many color options.

This summer top for only $8.

BEST CHOCOLATE CAKE

2 oz. bittersweet chocolate (I use this one.)

4 T. butter

1/2 tbsp red wine or port

1 tsp vanilla

1/4 c powered sugar

1 egg

3 tbsp flour

1/2 tsp cinnamon

Break chocolate into pieces and cube butter. Melt in microwave for 1 minute (or less) - until the butter is melted.  Do not burn or sizzle the butter.  Add red wine/port, vanilla and powered sugar and whisk gently until mixed. Add egg and gently whisk in. Add flour and cinnamon - and gently stir.

Pour into 2 ramekins - and bake a 425 F for approximately 9 minutes.  The length of time you bake it depends on how "molten" you want the cake. I under bake mine just a little because I like it less cakey and more lava-ish.

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Weekend Style & Chocolate Cake in 15 minutes

Red Shoes & Fruit Crisp

I mentioned the other week that one of my favorite desserts to make is my 15 minute chocolate lava cake. The 15 minutes is both the prep and baking time.  If you haven't tried it - I highly recommend you give it a try.

Stocking Stuffers and Gift Ideas for Under $25

GIFTS UNDER $25

1. Stuff Every Graduate Should Know: Books with Style (Only $10) // 2. Ring: Shashi (Only $14)

3. Pom Pom Key Ring:  Topshop // 4. Black Dot Journal: Fringe (Only $14)

5. Nail Polish (Set of 2 Only $17) : Deborah Lippmann  // 6. Mathematics Clock : Amazon 

7. Mini Candle: Voluspa (Only $9) // 8. What a Day Glass: Amazon

9. The Boss Mug: ban.do // 10. Desk Calendar: Kate Spade New York

11. What is a Hostess to Do : Books with Style 

12. Golden Key Bottle Opener: Gift Boutique // 13. Glasses: Gift Boutique

Are you looking for some fun gifts for under $25? Here are a few ideas!  

FREE SHIPPING & BIG SALE

Plus all of these gifts are from places that offer free shipping. (And, most of them offer free shipping both ways - so there is no risk in buying them.) And, an extra bonus is that a lot of these gifts on SALE - up to an additional 25% off (the more you spend - the more you save)!  

The  Shopbop sale started today - and ends next Cyber Monday.  Use the Code: GoBig16 to save up to 25% off!  (And, if you are an Amazon Prime member - you can get free two day shipping - but they offer free three day shipping as standard.)

One other thing - I bought this sweater - and I love it!  It would be perfect for any Christmas (or New Year's) parties you have.  It looks great paired with black jeans or even flares.  The women at Nordstrom's - even complimented on it - and wanted to know where it was from!  (This one is very similar and it is up to 25% off this week.)

FOR THE FOODIE - MY FAVORITE KITCHEN UTENSILS

 Also, today, I am joining up with my friends at The Blended Blog for a blog hop to share my favorite kitchen utensils.  I am not sure if this would qualify as a kitchen utensil; however, it is something I could not live with out - my ramekins.  I love making molten chocolate cake - and I found this recipe that I can assemble and bake in less than 15 minutes - and it is the best molten cake I have ever had!

Also, at the top of my list for favorite kitchen utensils would be my:

Wüsthof Paring Knife - I could not live without this knife.  I know chefs all use the big chef knife - and I do, too, but sometimes this comes in handy for the little things.

Vegetable Peeler - I love this Oxo brand of peeler.   

Best Can Opener -  This is by far the best can opener I have ever owned.  No more sharp edges or half opened cans.  It takes a little bit of getting used to - but after you do - you will never go back to the traditional can opener.  And, it is only $20

Heat/Stain Resistant Spatulas - I just got these.  I was tired of using the one we had that smelled like onions.  I like to bake - and these work perfectly for scraping the bowl.  And, a set of 3 is only $7!

Now, be sure to shop by Leslie's blog to see what fun post she has put together to share her favorite kitchen utensils. 

 I am participating in the following link ups.

Top Five for Thanksgiving - What to Eat & Wear

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times because it is the start of the Christmas season - and I always love the excitement before Christmas.  Here are a few of my top finds of things to wear for Thanksgiving dinner - and also to make for Thanksgiving dinner.

 
TOP FIVE SWEATERS TO WEAR

1. CARDIGAN

Cardigans have become my go to sweater this fall - and I just found this new arrival which is under $50 and it comes in some great colors.

2. TEXTURED SWEATER

This sweater is such a pretty color for winter - and looks so comfy for lounging around the Christmas tree.

3. FLUFFY SWEATER

I picked up a fluffy sweater like this at boutique near my house - and it has quickly become one of my favorites.  It is so comfy and really warm. I just found this one and it is under $50 and comes in the prettiest colors.

4. RUFFLES

Bell sleeves and ruffle details are two big trends this season.  This sweater has been an extremely popular sweater.  It is so pretty and would be the perfect dressed up for a Thanksgiving dinner outfit.  This top is also really pretty and also has the off the shoulder trend - it is 40% off and if you do not want bare shoulders - you could layer a button down underneath.

5. ADD A BOW

Bows are also a big trend - and this is a fun sweater that would be perfect for Christmas parties, too! (It is also here and $25 off.)


TOP FIVE RECIPES TO MAKE
1. THE BEST PIE
This is probably one of my favorite pies, and when I make it people ask for the recipe.  Add some ice cream - and it one of the best parts of Thanksgiving dinner. 

2. MOLTEN CHOCOLATE CAKE
This might not be the first thing you think of for Thanksgiving dinner - but if you are having a small gathering and you want to do something different than Pumpkin pie - these molten chocolate cakes are amazing - and only take 15 minutes total to assemble and bake.

3. BRUSSELS SPROUTS
If you had asked me 10 years ago about Brussels sprouts - I probably would have said I did not like them, but they have quickly become one of my favorite side dishes.  

4. FALL SALAD
 I eat salad pretty much everyday - so having a hearty fall Thanksgiving salad would be the perfect addition to a dinner.  I like this one with kale and butternut squash.

5.  HOMEMADE BREAD
Thanksgiving dinner is not complete without some bread - and this bread has got to be the easiest recipe.  You combine four ingredients - stir - let rest - form into a ball and bake.  It is just about that simple - and it is really hearty bread - that you will love!


 Lastly, today on The Blended Blog I am sharing where I plan to be in 10 years.

 I am participating in the following link ups.

Long Cardigan and Kendra Scott Necklace

What I Eat Each Day + Favorite Foods

Happy Monday!  I hope you had a great weekend.

I shared this cardigan last week - in lilac purple and ivory.  It is under $20 - and a great deal for spring/summer.  Also, today, I thought it would be fun to share what I eat each day - and some of my favorite foods and recipes.

SHOP THE LOOK

Cardigan (Only $18) // Tube Top // Jeans // Combat Boots // Necklace + Charm

MY DAILY FINDS & DEALS

This workout top.

This is the best lotion - no more dry skin - and smells amazing.

My favorite primer and mascara set - for only $13 - and longer, fuller lashes.

This cute spring skirt for 40% off.

This sweatshirt for $15.

WHAT I EAT EACH DAY...

BREAKFAST

I eat oatmeal every day.  I mix these oats with these oats - and top it with fresh blueberries and a little of this cinnamon.  I do not add any sugar - only a little salt to the water. Also, I make it on the cooktop - so much better than the microwave!  While it is cooking I make my salad for lunch.

LUNCH

I pretty much eat a salad every day for lunch.  A few of my favorites...

Salad #1: Mixture of chopped greens (kale, green leaf and Brussels sprouts) topped with my favorite dried cherries and cranberries, fresh blueberries, and almond slices and walnuts with an apple cider vinaigrette dressing.  Some times I mix in bacon and blue cheese.

Salad #2: Mixture of chopped greens (green leaf, romaine, radicchio), chick peas, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, blue cheese with a dijon vinaigrette. You can also add egg, but I don't.

I make all my salad dressings from scratch.  They are pretty simple - 1 part acid (vinegar or lemon juice) to 2 parts olive oil with a little salt and pepper, and either dijon mustard, garlic, shallots, or herbs - depending on the salad.

DINNER

A few of my favorite dinners I make...

This simple and easy 3-ingredient roast chicken.

My favorite meatloaf.

This chicken with red onions and a lot of flavor - and super easy.

Steaks with peppercorns and brandy sauce. 

Chicken served with curry sauce, hummus or mole sauce. 

Stir fry - with chicken or beef - and veggies and rice. 

As much as I love the good food at home - I still enjoy my favorite burger and fries and pizza!

DESSERT

Two of my desserts - this super easy and quick lava chocolate cake.  

And, my favorite ice creams - this flavor and this one.

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Save on Fall Trends - Leather Jacket & Sneakers

SHOP THE LOOKS

1. Necklace: Rebecca Minkoff // 2. Jacket: BB Dakota // 3. Shoulder Bag: H&M (Only $30)

4. Jeans: H&M // 5. Sneakers: H&M // 6. Necklace: Ariel Gordon

7. Jacket: BB Dakota // 8. Tote: Madewell

9. Jeans: RE/DONE // 10. Sneakers: Golden Goose

I am kind of in a slump - of finding the energy to write something engaging about my save vs. splurge outfit; however, I will say, I bought that "save" jacket - and I can't wait to wear it - possibly styled like the look above.  I can vouch that it is great quality - and does look a lot like leather - and I am pretty picky about faux leather.

So, instead of talking about the clothes - I will share what I made for dinner last night. I had an appointment after work - so I got home later than usual. I typically would either go to McDonald's or Five Guys after my appointment - because I love burgers and fries.  However, last night I decided to be a little healthier - and make pesto.  But, I was super tired after a long day - and did not want to be eating at 9:00 - so I set time limit for making it - and to my amazement, I got the whole meal made in 25 minutes - pesto from scratch - and everything.  If you are looking for the recipe - I shared it here.  I highly recommend it.  And, you can make extra pesto and freeze it - just don't add the cheese (add it later).  Now, after this amazing race of a dinner - my kitchen was another story - because typically I am a neat - clean as you go person - but there was not time for that.  So, everything was on the counter or in the sink.  I'll get to that later... [One last thing, on the same page as the recipe for pesto - is the quick and easy lava chocolate cake recipe - that is really good!]

TOP FINDS & DEALS

10 Kitchen Essentials to Cook At Home

Happy Weekend!

Since we are all doing a lot of cooking at home, I thought I would share my 10 kitchen essentials.  I use pretty much most of these on a daily basis.

I have learned that good, healthy cooking is pretty easy. It typically starts with a base - like onions and garlic - to which you add spices and herbs, vegetables, and meat.  For me made from scratch food tastes so much better than any pre-packaged meals.  Growing up, I never ate any processed foods. I don't think I ever had a microwaved dinner. And, still today, I only eat homemade food. Also, I would suggest not using any "seasoning packets" - you can easily create your own spice mixes or grind the spices from seeds or dried peppers.

The more I cook, I have realized that I love Asian, Mediterranean, Mexican, and Indian-inspired foods - like stir fry, hummus, mole and re-fried beans, and curry.  I love Italian-inspired foods - but not necessarily straight-forward Italian, like spaghetti.

BEST STIR FRY
Last night, we had beef stir fry.  It was grated ginger, garlic, scallions, some vegetables - carrots and broccoli - and beef (and you could use chicken or shrimp).  The sauce was soy sauce, dry sherry (real alcohol - not vinegar) - a little sesame oil, corn starch, and a little white sugar.  At the end sprinkle with some sesame seeds.  That is it. It is really simple.

10 KITCHEN ESSENTIALS

 This classic chef's knife.  There is not a day that goes by that I do not use this knife.  I use it to chop pretty much everything.  I have been doing a lot of chopped salads - and it is great for chopping the kale and lettuces.

I have owned this microplane grater for years.  It is great for grating ginger, garlic, lemon/lime zest - which we used in many of our recipes.

 I could not live without this paring knife.  I use it for peeling apples, ginger, and rough cutting vegetables.  

 My covered sauce pan.  I use this to make my favorite oatmeal each morning - or homemade caramel sauce - or my favorite rice. 

I use this frying pan for pretty much any meal.  I also have the smaller and larger ones, too.

This is my favorite vegetable peeler. 

This cookbook - it is all the basics. It really helps to explain the basis of foods - and how to build on them to modify recipes - and make some tasty meals.

 These mixing bowls are great.  I use the small one to make my favorite chocolate cake.

These cutting boards.  I use these daily - to chop my salad, vegetables, etc.

And, this is my husband's favorite coffee grinder.

COZY ESSENTIALS

WORKING FROM HOME + MOST POPULAR ITEMS
Just in case you missed it - I shared my thoughts on working from home HERE.

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All White Summer Outfit + Best Summer Sales Under $50

SHOP THE CLASSIC SUMMER WHITE OUTFIT

1. Sweater: H&M // 2. Necklace: Anna Beck // 3. Skinny Jeans: H&M (Only $15)

4. Heart Earrings: H&M // 5. Tote: Pixie Mood (Under $70)

6. Rollerballs: AERIN // 7. Lace Up Sandal: Vince Camuto (40% off)

This classic all white look is something I would wear.  I just need to get more comfortable wearing white jeans.  I feel so self-conscious wearing them.  If they are tight enough that they are not bagging - then, they feel just a little too skin tight.

BEST DEALS UNDER $50 (NOT PART OF #NSALE) 
This black ribbed dress is only $4!

This perfect summer blazer is on sale for $35 - and comes in two colors.

These gray jeans are only $10 - and come in other colors.

This new arrival cardigan is only $13 - and comes in five different colors.

This relaxed summer sweater that reminds me a lot of the popular Free People one - is on sale for only $17.

BEST DEALS UNDER $50 (FROM THE #NSALE) 
This popular tie front sweater is great deal.

This plaid scarf for fall is only $16.

This tie front blouse - that comes in three colors - and is only $32.

These Converse sneakers are only $36 (and these are $40.)

I love my black skinny jeans - and these are under $40.

Just in case you missed it - my picks, what I bought, and deals under $25.

FIVE EASY SUMMER RECIPES & LINK UP
Today, I am sharing five summer recipes that quick, easy, and healthy - except for maybe the molten chocolate cake - but since it is so good (and easy to make) I had to share it - on The Blended Blog!

 I am participating in the following link-ups.

Spring Sandals and Style Bloggers to Follow

  SHOP THE SANDALS

1. Sandals: Hinge // 2. Sandal: Vince Camuto 

3. Sandal: Kelsi Dagger Brooklyn // 4. Sandal: Steven by Steve Madden
5. Sandal: Rebels // 6. Sandal: Jeffrey Campbell 

7. Sandal: Steve Madden (15% off) // 8. Sandal: Lucky Brand (25% off)