Last week I talked about lots of cool things you can do using a microwave. I'm still on that kick, but with more focus. For instance, did you know you can create some very tasty and fun foods in a typical coffee mug using your microwave? Me neither. And these ideas are so cool, I used the Cook'n 11 app that's now on my Smart Phone to send them to my daughters. This real-time interfacing is so much fun (and they were as jazzed as I was with these clever tricks).

Anyway, look what I found when researching the idea of snacks in a mug:

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First up, the St. Louis Post tells us how to make quiche in a mug. Beat an egg and milk together in the mug and add salt and pepper to taste. Then tear about a quarter of a bagel (or other crusty bread) into dime-size pieces; stir into egg mixture. Stir in some cream cheese (maybe 2 or 3 teaspoons). If you have any leftover ham, add this (perhaps 1/4 cup diced). Sprinkle it all with some freshly chopped green onion or chives. Then microwave on high until done, about 1 minute 10 seconds. I topped this with a little shredded cheddar cheese while it was still hot.

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Next, French toast in a mug comes to us from an interesting blog, Pretty Prudent. Butter the inside of your mug well and fill with cubed bread. In a separate little dish whisk an egg, about 3 tablespoons of milk, a dash of vanilla, and a sprinkle of cinnamon if you like. Pour this mixture over the bread cubes in your mug. Microwave for 1 minute, then add 10 seconds at a time until it's cooked to your liking (no runny egg). Our Pretty Prudent blogger says it takes her about 1 minute 10 seconds. She finishes it off with a generous addition of syrup. And I would add about 4 tablespoons of butter as well (I know, I know...).

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And how about a quick dinner of chilaquiles in a mug? (another idea from the St. Louis Post) Just beat an egg, a tablespoon of milk, and some salt and pepper to taste in a mug. Stir in a tablespoon or two of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Then break 3 or 4 tortilla chips into small pieces and stir those into the mixture. Top with salsa (maybe a tablespoon). Microwave on high until done, about 1 minute, 10 seconds. Garnish with sour cream, chopped green onion, and a little more shredded cheese.

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Another good website, yourlighterside.com, suggested making cheesecake in a mug. In a large mug, mix some cream cheese (about a quarter of an 8 ounce package), a couple tablespoons of sour cream, an egg, some lemon juice (maybe 1/2 teaspoon), some vanilla (maybe 1/4 teaspoon), and 2 to 4 tablespoons of sugar (I like xylitol). The author of this site says to cook on high for 90 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds or so, and she adds fruit (blueberries are shown in the picture) and crushed cookie crumbs. This is best refrigerated before eating—cheesecake is usually served at room temperature or on the cool side. But honestly, it's great right out of the microwave topped with gobs of whipped cream (actually, what isn't great topped with gobs of whipped cream?).

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Finally (and this is maybe the best yet), Melissa of the website, No. 2 Pencil, makes a chocolate chip cookie in a mug. Here's what you do: When you have your usual batch of chocolate chip cookie dough all mixed up, put some in a coffee mug and cook in your microwave 40-60 seconds; start checking for doneness at 40 seconds. Melissa's takes 50 seconds. Do not cook past one minute, just like a regular cookie, this will continue cooking as it cools. (If the cookie is dry or cake like, try less time.) I top this warm cookie with lots of vanilla ice cream and eat it while I'm baking the rest of the cookie dough!