Jessica's Fudge Pudding Cake

Fudge Pudding Cake (from Jessica Swendsen, sister-in-law)

Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons baking cocoa
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chopped nuts
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup baking cocoa
1 3/4 cups boiling water

Instructions:
1. Mix Flour, granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa, the baking powder and salt in 2-quart microwavable casserole dish.
2. Stir in milk, oil, and vanilla. Stir in nuts. Spread evenly in casserole dish. Mix brown sugar and 1/4 cup cocoa; sprinkle over batter. Pur boiling water over batter.
3. Microwave uncovered on MEDIUM (50%) 9 minutes; rotate casserole dish 1/2 turn. Mircowave uncovered on HIGH 5 to 6 minutes or until top is almost dry. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.

The Story:
I was craving cake one Sunday night and got out all the ingredients to bake a cake in the oven. Then I realized I had no eggs. BOOO! I was a bit upset but not completely discouraged so I began searching through my cook books for something else that looked yummy and easy to make. When I found this I knew I had my dessert. No eggs - AND - you make it in the microwave. I got started - and then the phone rang. It was my parents and I stopped to go set up skype so the kids could talk to them over the computer. Brian very sweetly offered to step in and finish up where I had left off on the dessert. When it came time to put it in the microwave he asked me how to set it to medium. I didn't know (its a new hand -me-down microwave that didn't come with instructions.) so I told him if he couldn't figure it out to just put it in on high for less time. Should equal out to the same thing right??? WRoNG! Needless to say it ended up burnt and smelled terrible. Still not to be discouraged - I made it again - and this time figured out how to set the microwave to medium. Also - I decided I wanted my cake more fudge-y than dry so I put it in for the required length of time on medium, but only 2-3 minutes on high. Was fantastic. Definitely a keeper - so long as you follow the directions :)- Jessica Swendsen