Mobsters, magic, and romance!

I loved the young adult novel White Cat by Molly Black.  It is edgy, definitely not for the little ones (I'd say 8th grade and up).  Cassel has grown up in a family of "workers" those who have magic powers that they can use to erase people's memories or make them fall in love with you, for starters.  These powers are illegal to use, so they work for the mob.  AND they live in NJ!  I loved it.  I listened to the audiobook which is read by Jessie Eisenberg (actor from the "Social Network" and "30 Minutes or Less").  He was perfect. 

The sequel "The Red Glove" is already out as an ebook (and I started it last night), but the print version is another few mos. away.

Yummmy warm chocolate!   Who can resist that? I found this recipe on pinterest.com and it was delicious, but my food photography skills are not the best, so I will have to find the real photo and add that too.

Hot Chocolate Fudge Cakes

Ingredients

3/4 cup flour

2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa

5 tsp. instant espresso

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

2/3 cup granulated sugar

2/3 cup brown sugar

1 c. egg substitute

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

2.6 oz. bar 71 percent chocolate, finely chopped

powdered sugar

·         Key Food (3)

Preparation

1.     1. Weigh or lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Sift together flour, cocoa, espresso powder, baking powder, and salt.

2.     2. Place butter in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed 1 minute. Add granulated and brown sugars, beating until well blended (about 5 minutes). Add egg substitute and vanilla, beating until well blended. Fold flour mixture into sugar mixture; fold in chocolate. Divide batter evenly among 10 (4-ounce) ramekins; arrange ramekins on a jelly-roll pan. Cover and refrigerate 4 hours or up to 2 days.

3.     3. Preheat oven to 350°.

4.     4. Let ramekins stand at room temperature 10 minutes. Uncover and bake at 350° for 21 minutes or until cakes are puffy and slightly crusty on top. Sprinkle evenly with powdered sugar; serve immediately.