Hot Fudge Pudding Cake

 A delicious fudgy dessert. I love that you don't have to get out the mixer.

Hot Fudge Pudding Cake

1 cup flour

2 tsps. baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

7 T. cocoa powder, divided

1 1/4 cups sugar, divided

1/2 cup milk

1/3 cup butter, melted

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 1/4 cup hot water

Preheat oven to 350.  In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, 3 Tablespoons cocoa, and 3/4 cup sugar.  Stir in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.

Pour into a ungreased 9 inch square pan.

In another bowl mix together 1/2 cup white sugar, brown sugar, and 4 Tablespoons cocoa.  Sprinkle this mixture over the batter.  Pour the hot water over the top of all- do not stir.

Bale for 35-40 minutes until the center is set and the top is dry.

Let cool slightly before serving.  Serve with vanilla ice cream.

Creamy Chicken, Spinach, and Mushroom Pasta

 This is a tasty casserole that is quick and easy to make.

Creamy Chicken, Spinach, and Mushroom Pasta

1/2 lb. pasta of choice

4 Tablespoons butter

1 onion, diced

1 tsp. minced garlic

3 Tablespoons flour

2 cups whole milk or half and half

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

pinch of cayenne pepper

8 cups fresh spinach (or a box of frozen, drained)

1 box sliced mushrooms

2 chicken breasts, diced and cooked (I use rotisserie chicken breast)

Cook the pasta to el dente (reserve some of the pasta water- about 1 1/2 cups)

In a large skillet, melt the butter and saute' the onion for about 5 minutes.  Add the mushrooms and cook until done. Add the garlic and cook for another minute or two.  Stir in the flour and cook another 2 minutes. Pour in the milk, whisking until thickened.  Add the spices and some salt and pepper.  Add the spinach and stir and cook until the spinach is wilted.  Add the chicken.  Fold in the pasta, adding as much pasta water as needed to make it smooth and creamy.  Taste to correct seasoning.  Add more salt if needed.