MICROWAVE WACKY CAKE

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 cup cold water

Mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt in an ungreased 7 1/2- or 8-inch microwave-safe round cake pan. Make 3 depressions in flour mixture. Pour vanilla in one, oil in another and vinegar in the last. Pour cold water over all. Mix with fork to moisten dry ingredients. The batter will be relatively thin.

Microwave on high 7 1/2 to 8 1/2 minutes. Rotate cake at least once for even baking. (Timing is based on 600-watt microwave. For other power levels, check cake after 7 1/2 minutes and continue cooking, as needed, in 30-second increments until no wet spots remain on cake surface.)

Let cool. Frost and serve from pan.

TO BAKE IN OVEN:
Cake can be prepared in an 8- or 9-inch round or square cake pan and baked at 350 degrees F for 30 to 35 minutes, until done.

VARIATION:

FOR CHOCOLATE CHIP WACKY CAKE:
Omit cocoa and vanilla from recipe. Instead, stir 1/4 cup chopped walnuts into batter and sprinkle 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips over batter in pan.

Makes six to eight snack servings
Source: The Philadelphia News