April Haul + Chocolate Coconut Cake

I definitely did not spend much the month of April but this month has been crazy and I don't look forward to putting together what I purchased for May.


Since my trip at the beginning of this month, I've fallen off the gym wagon and have really let myself go. The amount of weight I've gained is ridiculous so I really have to stay determined to get back on track with working out and eating right. Daily buffet breakfasts and zero gym time over the course of my exhausting two week trip (on which I also got sick with the flu) has really damaged what I worked so hard to achieve since last year and I'm pretty disappointed at how much I've regressed, which really goes to show that all the hard work you do can be easily reversed. A small dessert or treat for yourself from time to time is fine, but consistently overindulging can be really damaging. I hope to reverse what's happened to me soon but since I'm in the zone of overindulging, here's a recipe for a decadent Chocolate Coconut Cake that I accidentally added too much water to but turned out incredibly moist:
 
CHOCOLATE COCONUT CAKE

Ingredients:
2 oz dark chocolate
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups boiling water
6 tablespoons butter, melted
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 cup coconut milk
1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Finely chop chocolate and in a bowl combine with hot water and cocoa powder. Let mixture stand, stirring occasionally, until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth.
3. Mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
4. Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer until combined.
5. Add eggs (one at a time) until thickened slightly and light colored.
6. Slowly add coconut milk and melted chocolate mixture, beating until combined well.
7. Finally, add the flour mixture and beat on medium speed until just combined.
8. Pour batter into pan, and bake in middle of oven until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean,. If using small separate pans, about 25-30 minutes should do the job. If you're using a bigger 9" round pan, you may need up to an hour but it's best to check on it every 15 minutes or so after 45 minutes until the center is set because of all the water.
Explosion of yumminess

And for some weekend updates:

A made a rocket grill! We tested it with corn, veggies, and mini marshmallows and it was a success!
Following up a relaxing Sunday lunch with some yummy Riesling ice cream :)
Leaving you with the quote of the day, "Successful people are always looking for opportunities to help others. Unsuccessful people are always asking, "What's in it for me?"" - Brian Tracy 

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