Molten Chocolate Cake

Note: I am reposting my old food columns from Milford Patch. They originally contained step by step photos and accompanying instructions, which I hope to recreate at some point. Until then, I am posting the original text. This post originally appeared on Patch on February 13, 2011...

Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. And a Monday. There’s only one food that can bridge that yawning divide, and that’s chocolate.

These cakes are popular with everyone. They are on just about every restaurant’s dessert menu. They’re impressive. And they are so easy to make, you can whip them up at the last minute and turn your Monday night dinner into a Valentine’s dinner. Even better, you probably already have all of the ingredients in your pantry.

Caramel Popcorn

Despite the snow(!), it was in fact Opening Day on Monday. In my family, we celebrate with hot dogs and cracker jack for dinner. I'm a sucker for a food theme, what can I say? Don't feel sad that you missed it, you can still whip some up to celebrate the home opener tomorrow!

Kitchen Tip: Microwave Popcorn

I know what you're thinking: "Karen, we know how to make microwave popcorn. It tells you right on the bag!" Ah, but did you know you don't need to BUY microwave popcorn in order to make popcorn in the microwave? Tip time:

You'll need some regular old popcorn and a brown paper bag. This is one of the larger ones, but a little one will work also.

Pour some popcorn in the bag. This is 1/3 cup, but you don't really need to be so exact.