One fact of life is that we will all collect more coffee mugs than we really need. Whether it’s the memento from travels abroad or the keepsake from that gas station you walked to when your car broke down, every coffee mug tells a unique story. If you pay any interest in Pinterest these days, you may already know all about the coffee mug phenomenon that is taking the kitchen by storm. Xtrema Pure Ceramic Cookware wanted to get to the bottom of this culinary trend, and we picked up a few tasty recipes along the way. Check out these mouthwatering mug meals you can make in minutes!
Please Note: timings are based on a 1200W microwave, so timing may vary per recipe.
Chicken Pot Pie in a Mug
In the middle of a cold snap? Warm up with a mug full of homemade chicken pot pie. You will need: 1 teaspoon butter, 1 tsp all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup milk, cream or half & half, 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth, 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken , 1/4 cup peas, defrosted if frozen, 1/4 cup corn kernels, defrosted if frozen, 1 tsp onion flakes, 1/4 tsp smoked paprika, onion flakes, salt and pepper to taste, and 1 small can crescent roll dough (approximately 4 ounces).
Heat the butter in an Xtrema ceramic mug in the microwave until melted, about 20 seconds. Whisk in the flour, using a fork, to make a paste. Then whisk in the milk or cream, followed by the broth. Mix in the rest of the ingredients. Lay two or three of the crescent rolls across the top of the mug to make a crust, leaving a small amount of space between them so that steam can vent. Cook for 3 minutes or until the top is puffy and lightly browned. Enjoy!
Macaroni and Cheese in a Mug
This recipe will certainly bring you back to your college days! Best of all, you can make macaroni and cheese in a mug for lunch or as the side for another mug meal. You will need: ⅓ cup (28g/1oz) pasta, ¾ cup cold water, 4 tablespoons milk, ¼ teaspoons cornstarch, 4 tablespoons cheddar cheese, grated, salt, and pepper to taste.
In an Xtrema ceramic mug or large mixing bowl, add the macaroni and the water. Microwave for about three-and-a-half minutes, or until the pasta is fully cooked. Pour off the remaining cooking water. Stir in the milk, cornstarch, and shredded cheese. Microwave for one minute to create the sauce. Stir well, and enjoy!
Pizza in a Mug
What’s faster than pizza delivery? Microwave mug pizza! You will need: 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1/8 teaspoon baking powder, 1/16 teaspoon baking soda, 1/8 teaspoon salt, 3 tablespoons milk, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon marinara sauce, 1 generous tablespoon shredded mozzarella cheese, 5 mini pepperonis, and 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, parsley, oregano, etc.).
Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in an Xtrema ceramic mug. Add in the milk and oil. Mix all the ingredients together (some lumps are okay). Spoon on the marinara sauce on top of the batter. Sprinkle on the cheese, pepperoni, and dried herbs. Microwave for one minute and 10 to 20 seconds, or until it rises up and the top starts bubbling. Enjoy right away!
Ramen in a Mug
This recipe will also bring you back to your college days, but it is much more nutritious than the pre-packaged ramen you bought at the store. You will need: 1 cup chicken stock (or substitute vegetable stock), a few strands of ramen noodles (¼ portion), 2 tablespoons frozen mixed vegetables, 2 teaspoons amino acids (or soy sauce), ½ teaspoons chili sauce, and 1 tablespoon sliced green onions.
In an Xtrema ceramic mug, add in all of the ingredients. If needed, break the noodles so they fit in the mug. Microwave for two to two-and-a-half minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Serve hot from the microwave. Feel free to add more chili sauce, sesame seeds, or any additional flavors you like.
Spinach Ricotta Lasagna in a Mug
You will need: 1/2 fresh lasagna sheet, 2 1/2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped, 1/4 medium yellow bell pepper, diced, 1/4 cup part-skim ricotta cheese, 3 large basil leaves, finely chopped (optional), 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/8 teaspoon granulated garlic, 6 tablespoons pasta sauce or tomato sauce, and 1/3 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella.
Cut the lasagna sheet into fourths. Place the pasta sheets into an Xtrema mixing bowl and add boiling hot water until it covers all the pieces. Set the pasta aside. Chop the spinach and place it in a smaller Xtrema mixing bowl. Cover the top with wax paper and poke a few holes in it for ventilation. Microwave for one minute. Remove the spinach and let it rest. Mix the spinach with the ricotta, salt, pepper, and garlic. Set mixture aside. Pour two tablespoons of pasta sauce at the bottom of the mug. Top with a piece of softened pasta sheet. Add some spinach mixture, two tablespoons of mozzarella, and a pasta sheet. Continue building the lasagna in that pattern, ending with a layer of pasta sheet at the top. Sprinkle mozzarella over the pasta. Microwave everything for one minute and 30 seconds. Continue microwaving at 15-second intervals until the cheese is melted. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Whole Wheat Muffins in a Mug
Looking for a light pick-me-up to eat before you head off to work in the morning? These whole wheat muffins are easy to make and full of flavor! You will need: 3 tablespoons whole wheat flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, a pinch of salt, 2-inch piece of banana, 2 teaspoons honey, maple syrup, agave, 2 ½ tablespoons milk, and 1 tablespoon raisins.
In an Xtrema ceramic mug, mash up the banana with a fork. Add in the rest of the ingredients, except the raisins, and mix together until blended. Stir in the raisins. Microwave for 45 seconds to one minute, or until the muffin is firm to the touch on top.
