Tongariro Chocolate Crossing

Stine and I are going to do the Tongariro Crossing on Friday, before heading to Wellington with Sandy for handball training.  I think it's a good idea, if possible, to squeeze a little home baking into the ol' daypack, when doing any kind of hiking, be it a day walk like the Crossing, or something a bit more lengthy, such as the Heaphy or Waikeremoana.  I mean, when you've been slogging your guts out up something like the Devil's Staircase you deserve to have some treat to look forward to.  At times like that a barley sugar just ain't enough.  So, time to get something baked, to take with...

Mum was given this recipe, and she passed it to me, for a chocolate brownie that is cooked in the microwave, ready in 6 minutes.  I kid you not.  I'm rather sceptical of microwave cooking, and it's just not as fun - no stirring - but it is bloody useful when you've got to be out the door in 20 minutes (or if someone stops in for a cup of tea, or after dinner and you have a hankering for a little bit of something sweet...).  So, if you're like me then put your microwave-prejudice to the side, and give this one a go.  It's foolproof, yum and makes enough for a few people.  Sweet!! 

100g butter

1 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla essence

2 eggs

¾ cup choc chips

1 cup flour

2 tsp baking powder

2 tbsp cocoa

1. Melt butter in microwave. 
2. Add sugar, vanilla and eggs and mix together.
3. Add remaining ingredients, mix.
4. Pour into microwave-safe dish and cook on high for 5-6 minutes. 

Once cooled, slice and serve!  Try serving with some whipped cream, yoghurt, or just dusted with icing sugar.  :)