Today is “kinda” a WIAW because I’m really just sharing this one recipe with ya.
Why?
Because it’s the first “real” food I ate… shhh.
I know, it’s a shame. I’m that girl that’s always carrying around food. I’ve gotten so many weird looks and questions from others, but hey, a girl likes what a girl likes! If I’ve got some leftovers I like, I’ll bring those, or if I know I’ll b going somewhere where I know I wont like the food, Ii;’ll bring my own; or I’ll just bring some food incase I get hungry!
Today, TIME. On Thursdays, I have Chem Lab 8:30 am – 11:30 am, then Bio Lab 1 pm – 4 pm. Today, my Chem Lab ran over, and then I had to go back and finish it after bio! I had barely 30 minutes in between when I went out into the “sun” (but still cold! stupid wind. and shade) to drink my soymilk, eat some veggies and stuff in my bag, while I worked, then back to stressful work. Finally I was done just after 4!
I recently hurt my ankle, so I went to the gym and did 10ish minutes of PT exercises + 10ish minutes of shoulders (because I’ve been craving upper body for 3 days, anyone else get that?), and raced back to my room to make what I thought of on the way, and I guess have been unconsciously craving! (<< anyone else get those feels too?!) I literally threw together the ingredients, making my once clean room messy again since I didn’t put stuff away in my haste, since I was so excited! and hoping to go to town on this mug cake, instead of that bag of chips, or who knows what else. And I have to say, it came together pretty. darn. well. WIN! lemme know if you give it a shot 
Pumpkin- Cacao (Protein) Mug Cake (Serves 1)
(it was a LARGE mug)
Ingredients:
2 tbsp. shredded zucchini (opt)
4 tbsp. pure pumpkin puree
1 tbsp. milled flax seeds
1 tbsp. + 1 tsp. raw cacao powder
1 tsp. maca (opt)
1 tbsp. plant based protein powder
1 tbsp. besan/chickpea flour
pinch baking powder
1/4 – 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice + cinnamon (to taste)
1 tsp. nut/seed butter (opt)
Serve:
more pumpkin, to top
milk or cream or yogurt of choice, on the side or to top
Instructions:
1. grate zucchini into cup, if using. add pumpkin, flax, cacao, maca, spices, and baking powder, stir to combine
2. add flour/powders, stir a bit. add milk to thin, 1 tbsp. then 1 tsp. at a time.
3. microwave on POWER 8/10 (for a high powered microwave, full power if it’s lower, ~700watts) for 4 MINUTES. checking at 3:00 & 3:30.
4. attempt to let it cool for ~ 30 seconds. DIG IN carefully… you should let it cool more but eh. the inside is still a bit gooey <3
notes:
I added zucchini because, it was the only veggie I ate today. besides pumpkin. totally optional but really good!
I used Vega one protein, but hemp would also be good
the maca is a new ingredient to me, and I LOVE it! I’ll be doing a post on it soon. it’s optional as its an additional super food, but does add a bit of sweetness too, so adjust accordingly (here’ I’ve used gelatinized maca, which is already cooked. cooking raw maca will change its properties.
I use this raw cacao. Cacao VS Cocoa: cacao is the raw version: the beans have been broken into nibs and then ground. cocoa is still unsweetened, but has still been roasted and slightly processed. it retains most nutrients, but not all. more info on the site, I encourage you to read!
add some nut butter inside if you’d like! I forgot and added it on top. it’s pretty moist so it doesn’t need it but it’ll make it gooey-er if you’d like 
it also has the perfect amount of sweetness for me- not too sweet at all. you don’t really taste the pumpkin, but it’s there. you get a deep flavor from the cacao. you may want to add a tbsp. or 2 or applesauce or sweetener of choice
It was JUST what I was craving and I’ll probably have it with breakfast tomorrow. I poured a bit of soymilk on top then had a cup when I was done, yumm<3
and, killer stats, in case you’re interested:
(side note: I only calculate these for some recipes. not an everyday thing. I just like to be aware, and am curious about recipes and foods )
Also, this mug cake is PURRFECT (I miss my cats!! 
) for the start of OCTOBER UNPROCESSED WOO! it was my first last year and I LOVED IT
What is OU, you asked? Check out Andrew Wilder’s website, Eating Rules info about him & how it was started and more about OU, including ALL FAQs/Q&As, and to take the PLEDGE! Basically, he started this challenge several years ago to do simply what it is- go a month without eating processed foods. you start where you are- some people are just trying to cook at home instead of using frozen dinners, while others are making their own ketchup, chocolate, crackers, etc. the Facebook group is PHENOMENAL. I LOVE all the people and the conversations we have! Join & chat with me, and on my Facebook page, my goal is to post 1 recipe or tip each day. (on the page, not necessarily on the site). I hope you join! Since I already eat I’d say
98% unprocessed, my goal this year is to control my night time snacks. 1 is okay and I love a snack and some TV!, but sometimes I do too much mindless snackin while I’m doing homework. these past 3 days have been good!, even though I’ve had some late dinners w/ small snacks
~Masala Girl
ever tried a mug cake? what’s your fav? any other #StrangeButGood combos? (linkup thanks to Laura of Sprint2TheTable!)
ever done OU? or any food challenge?
P.S. today’s link up is with Arman! Did you know he’s currently in Columbus?! I got to meet up with him when I was home over Labor Day weekend for a quick trip to the new WF Easton that had JUST opened up. even awesome-er in person, and he on his blog is pretty darn cool. hope cbus is still treating you well!!
