Alright, so winter really smacked us this year, didn’t it? One day it’s kinda chilly, the next you’re hunting for those thick socks you swore you put away safely. And when that proper cold hits, I get this massive craving for something sweet and warm. Problem is, I’m not always in the mood for a big baking session. You know, hours in the kitchen, flour everywhere. Sometimes you just want it quick and easy.
So, I went on a bit of a mission. What could I actually whip up without a ton of fuss? I’m talking minimal ingredients, minimal effort, maximum comfort. That was the goal.
My First Go-To: Super Simple Baked Apples
First thing I tackled was baked apples. Sounds a bit old-fashioned, maybe, but hear me out. It’s ridiculously straightforward. I had a couple of apples just sitting in the fruit bowl, nothing fancy. I grabbed my apple corer – one of those cheap metal ones – and just gouged out the middle. Didn’t even do a perfect job, who cares?
Then, for the filling, I kept it basic:
- A spoonful of rolled oats
- A good shake of cinnamon (I love cinnamon, so maybe more than a shake)
- A tiny pinch of brown sugar – really, just a pinch
- A small knob of butter on top of each
I just mixed the oats, cinnamon, and sugar in a small bowl with my fingers, then stuffed it into the apple holes. Popped the butter on top. That’s it. I put them in a small baking dish, sometimes with a tiny splash of water in the bottom of the dish if I remember, and into a medium oven. I don’t even preheat meticulously for these. Maybe 180°C (that’s around 350°F, I think?).
The best part? The smell. After about 20-30 minutes, the whole kitchen starts smelling like pure winter coziness. I just bake them until they’re soft and a bit wrinkly. Sometimes the filling bubbles over. It’s not about perfection. Served warm, maybe with a dollop of yogurt if I’m feeling it. So good, and practically zero effort.
The “No Way This Works” Chocolate Fix
Then there are those nights when you need chocolate, like, right now. I’d seen those microwave mug cake things around for ages and always thought, “Nah, can’t be any good.” But desperation, you know? So I gave one a try. And honestly, it’s a game changer for a quick fix.
My go-to version is super basic. I just grab a regular coffee mug. No special equipment.
I literally dump these in:
- About 4 tablespoons of plain flour
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
- 2-3 tablespoons of sugar (depends how sweet you like it)
- A tiny pinch of baking powder
- A splash of milk (maybe 3-4 tablespoons)
- A splash of vegetable oil (maybe 2 tablespoons)
I don’t even measure super carefully. Just kind of eyeball it. Then I take a fork and whisk it all up right there in the mug until it’s a smooth-ish batter. Scrape down the sides a bit. Sometimes I throw in a few chocolate chips if I have them. Why not, right?
Then, into the microwave. This is the tricky bit because all microwaves are different. Mine takes about 70-90 seconds on full power. You want it to be puffed up and cakey on top, but still a bit gooey in the middle. The first time I made it, I overcooked it. Dry as a bone. But the next time, I nailed it.
And you know what? For something that takes less than 5 minutes from thought to eating, it’s pretty amazing. It’s not a fancy patisserie dessert, obviously. But it hits that chocolate spot perfectly. Warm, gooey, chocolatey. Done.
What I Learned (Mostly Obvious Stuff)
So, yeah, my big discovery was that winter desserts don’t need to be a massive production. Sometimes the simplest things are genuinely the best, especially when you’re short on time or energy. It’s more about that warm, comforting feeling than creating a showstopper.
And not being afraid to just try something ridiculously simple. Even if it feels like it’s too easy to be good. Sometimes it actually is! These two have become regulars in my house when the cold weather bites. Give ’em a try; you don’t have much to lose.