A Mug + a Microwave = Easy Meals
A handful of sweet or savory ingredients, a coffee cup, and a microwave are all you need to cook up these fast, fantastic mugfuls of flavor.
Pressed for time? You can still make a delicious meal. Check out these five delicious dishes you can make right in your microwave.
1. Black Bean Tortilla Soup
Combine ¾ c fat-free chicken broth, ½ c canned black beans, rinsed and drained, and 3 Tbsp salsa in a small mug; microwave 2 minutes. Add 1 tsp chopped cilantro and ½ tsp lime juice. Top with 5 crushed low-fat baked tortilla chips and 2 Tbsp reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend; microwave 30 seconds. Garnish with chopped scallions. SmartPoints value: 5
2. Ginger Pear Crisp
Place 1 ripe diced pear in bottom of a small mug. Toss together 1 crushed gingersnap cookie, 1 Tbsp quick-cooking oats, 1 Tbsp minced crystallized ginger, and a pinch of salt; sprinkle on top of pear. Drizzle with 1 tsp water and microwave for 3 minutes or until hot. SmartPoints value: 3
3. Chocolate Cake
Coat the inside of a small mug with nonstick spray. Combine 2 Tbsp powdered chocolate peanut butter; 1 Tbsp cocoa powder; 2 Tbsp warm water; 1 large egg white; 1 tsp each canola oil, vanilla extract, and agave nectar; ½ tsp baking powder; and a pinch salt in a small bowl; pour into mug. Microwave 90 seconds or until done in center; serve warm topped with 3 Tbsp aerosol whipped cream. (Add ½ mashed banana to peanut butter mixture if desired.) SmartPoints value: 5
4. Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal
Oatmeal Combine ½ c low-fat (1%) milk, ⅓ c quick-cooking oats, ¼ c canned pumpkin puree, 1 tsp brown sugar, ¼ tsp pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch salt in a small mug; microwave 2 minutes. Stir and let sit for a minute to thicken; serve garnished with additional pumpkin pie spice. SmartPoints value: 6
