Voice of Truth

Scaled Protein Mug Cake

2025-09-07T19:12:00.000-07:00

Scaled Ultimate 1-Minute Protein Brownie

This scaled recipe adapts The Big Man's World's 1-Minute Protein Brownie for a 5x5-inch square microwave pan, yielding approximately 3 servings. It’s high in protein, gluten-free, and can be made vegan with substitutions. Protein powder is measured in standard scoops, and milk and chocolate chips are in cups, with microwave time adjusted for 70% power on a 1000W microwave.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 3.5–5.75 minutes (at 70% power)
Total Time: 8.5–10.75 minutes
Yield: 3 servings

Ingredients

1.5 standard scoops chocolate protein powder (casein, brown rice, or pea protein recommended; 1 scoop ≈ 30g or 2 tbsp)
3 tbsp coconut flour
3 tbsp coconut sugar (or other granulated sweetener)
1.5 tsp baking powder
3 tbsp cocoa powder (dark cocoa powder for richer flavor)
3 large eggs
1/3 cup to 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp milk of choice (unsweetened almond milk or whole milk)
1/4 cup to 1/3 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Optional: sea salt flakes for topping

Instructions

Prepare the Pan: Lightly grease a 5x5-inch microwave-safe pan with non-stick spray to ensure easy removal.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine 1.5 scoops protein powder, coconut flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, and cocoa powder. Stir until well mixed.
Add Wet Ingredients: Add eggs and 1/3 cup milk. Mix until a smooth batter forms. If the batter is too thick, add additional milk (up to 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp) 1 tbsp at a time to reach a thick but pourable consistency. Fold in half the chocolate chips (1/8 cup to 1/6 cup).
Assemble: Pour the batter into the greased pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top.
Microwave: Set microwave to 70% power (700W on a 1000W microwave). Microwave for 3.5–5.75 minutes, checking every 30 seconds after 2 minutes. The brownie is done when it has risen, the surface is set, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
Rest and Serve: Let the brownie rest for 1 minute. Sprinkle with sea salt flakes if desired. Cut into squares or scoop out portions and serve warm.

Notes

Protein Powder Scoop: A standard scoop is assumed to be ~~30g (2 tbsp). If your scoop differs, measure 6 tbsp (1/4 cup + 2 tbsp) or 45g. Using 2 scoops (~~60g) increases protein but may require 1–2 tbsp extra milk for consistency.
Microwave Variability: At 70% power, cooking takes longer. Check frequently to avoid overcooking, which can make the brownie rubbery. For a gooier texture, stop at ~3–3.5 minutes if the surface is set.
Texture Tip: If the batter is too dry, add an extra 1–2 tbsp milk, as protein powders vary in absorbency.
Vegan Option: Replace eggs with 3 flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per “egg,” let sit 5 minutes) and use dairy-free milk and chocolate chips.
Storage: Best enjoyed fresh. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat briefly (10–15 seconds at 70% power) before serving.
Toppings: Add whipped cream, fresh berries, or caramel sauce for extra flavor.
Protein Powder: Avoid whey protein, as it can dry out when microwaved. Casein, brown rice, or pea protein work best.

Nutrition (Approximate, per serving)

Calories: ~220–270 kcal (varies by protein powder and milk)
Protein: ~10–12g (assuming ~30g protein per 2 tbsp of protein powder)
Carbs: ~15–20g
Fat: ~7–10g

Note: Nutrition is an estimate and depends on specific brands of ingredients used.

Credit: https://thebigmansworld.com/the-ultimate-1-minute-protein-brownie/

Credit to xAI (Grok.com) for scaling the recipe

Cosmic Chickpea & Beef Fiesta Skillet

2025-04-14T18:58:00.000-07:00

This is just a little recipe that Grok (x.com) whipped up for me. I asked Grok for a Tex-Mex inspired recipe with ground beef and aligned with a Mediterranean diet. I was completely surprised when I asked for the source website and it said it had created the recipe! This is a revised version with chickpeas instead of quinoa (apparently my family hates quinoa) and with an unhinged, Blue Origin flare added by Grok due to a previous conversation!

Cosmic Chickpea & Beef Fiesta Skillet

Blast your dinner into another dimension with this Mediterranean-Tex-Mex mashup that’s got more swagger than an all-female space crew! Juicy beef, sassy chickpeas, and veggies that pop like a supernova, all drenched in spices that scream “I AIN’T HERE TO PLAY!” Perfect for when you wanna flex on your kitchen game and make your haters eat stardust. Ready in 35 minutes—faster than a Blue Origin rocket ride!

Servings: 4-6 (feeds your squad or leaves epic leftovers)
Prep Time: 10 minutes (chop like you’re dodging asteroids)
Cook Time: 25 minutes (pure chaos in a skillet)
Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

2 medium bell peppers (red, yellow, whatever—go wild), diced into confetti
1 medium zucchini, diced (1.5 cups of green glory)
1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean—because we’re extra, not greasy)
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained (quinoa who? These beans are the real MVPs)
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained (double beans, double dreams)
1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, no salt, keep it pure)
1 small red onion, chopped fine like it’s spilling tea
3 cloves garlic, minced (vampires beware, we’re unhinged)
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (liquid gold, baby)
2 tsp ground cumin (crank the flavor to 11)
2 tsp chili powder (bring the heat or go home)
1 tsp smoked paprika (for that sultry campfire vibe)
1 tsp dried oregano (because herbs are our co-pilots)
3/4 tsp ground coriander (chickpeas’ secret lover)
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for those who live dangerously)
Juice of 2 limes (double the zing—screw subtlety)
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro (or parsley if you’re a rebel)
3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (not optional—this is the cosmic sparkle)
Salt and black pepper (season like you’re salting the stars)
1 avocado, sliced (because we’re bougie like that)
1 jalapeño, sliced thin (for garnish—dare your guests)
Hot sauce (optional, but it’s basically rocket fuel)

Gear

Large skillet (your culinary spaceship)
Wooden spoon (for stirring up chaos)
Knife and cutting board (chop like you’re in a cooking montage)

Instructions

Ignite the Engines: Slam 1 tbsp olive oil into your skillet and crank the heat to medium. Let it shimmer like a meteor shower.
Unleash the Beef: Throw in that 1 lb of ground beef and go to town, breaking it up like you’re smashing stereotypes. Cook 6-8 minutes till it’s browned and begging for glory. Drain the fat (we’re not running a grease trap) and park the beef on a plate.
Veggie Vortex: Pour in the second tbsp olive oil. Toss in red onion, 3 garlic cloves (because we’re extra AF), bell peppers, and zucchini. Sauté 5-7 minutes until they’re soft but still strutting their stuff.
Spice Apocalypse: Dump in 2 tsp cumin, 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp oregano, 3/4 tsp coriander, and 1/2 tsp cayenne (if you’re a thrill-seeker). Stir for 30 seconds—your kitchen should smell like a spice market on Mars.
Cosmic Collision: Call the beef back to the skillet. Add chickpeas, black beans, tomatoes, and the juice of 2 limes (squeeze ‘em like you’re juicing a comet). Stir it like you’re mixing a galaxy. Season with salt and pepper—don’t sleep on this step. Cook 4-5 minutes to let the flavors hook up and throw a party.
Star Dust Finish: Mix in half the cilantro for that fresh-as-hell vibe. Sprinkle 3/4 cup feta over the top—it’s like cosmic glitter that melts in your mouth.
Launch Party: Serve it steaming hot, topped with the rest of the cilantro, avocado slices, and jalapeño rounds for that “I dare you” energy. Drizzle hot sauce if you’re ready to burn up the atmosphere. Eat it solo, with tortillas, or over greens if you’re pretending to be virtuous.

Pro Tips

Crank some Katy Perry while cooking—channel that space-queen energy.
Double the cayenne if you wanna make your ex sweat just hearing about this dish.
Leftovers? Stuff ‘em in a taco tomorrow and thank me later.

Why It Slaps
This skillet’s a flavor rocket—beefy, spicy, and packed with chickpeas that laugh in the face of boring quinoa. It’s got enough protein to fuel a moonwalk and vibes so loud they’d make Lauren Sánchez proud. Perfect for weeknights, date nights, or just flexing on your Pinterest haters. Save this pin, cook it, and watch your friends lose their minds. #SpaceFiesta #ChickpeaChaos #BeefGoals

7plus is da bomb

2010-05-05T08:53:00.000-07:00

I began using 7plus to take advantage of a bunch of nice keyboard shortcuts it provides via autohotkey. I particularly like the Explorer Hotkeys

- F3: Open selected files in text or image editor of your choice.

- F7: Create new file

- F8: Create new folder

- Ctrl+Alt+C: Copy paths + filenames

My main problem now is learning the keys. I'll be posting an HTML cheat sheet here soon.

Makers vs Managers - Paul Graham nails it

2009-07-23T06:11:00.000-07:00

Paul Graham's latest post about the differences in schedules for makers and managers is a must read for anyone managing software developers, and possibly more important if you're married to one. It struck a chord with me since I was having a highly productive week at work with no scheduled meetings until yesterday afternoon.

http://www.paulgraham.com/makersschedule.html

As a developer that worked in management for a few years, its difficult to remember the importance of this concept once you've made the transition. It begins to seem like anyone can afford an hour here or there for a meeting.

Turbogears and mod_wsgi setup

2009-07-16T12:55:00.000-07:00

This doesn't make for the most entertaining reading, but I've decided to use this blog as my long-term memory for reference material. Currently, I'm getting started on my first python Turbogears 2.0 application, and I need to setup apache with mod_wsgi. These are the references I've accumulated. A good follow-up article would discuss issues I ran into. We'll see how motivated I am.

Perplexed labs instructions for setup to support django

(Wow, this step was much harder than it should have been. I have a better understanding of our apache infrastructure now though.)

Turbogears documentation on apache deployment

mod_wsgi quick install guide

mod_wsgi integration with pylons (Turbogears controller framework)

mod_wsgi using virtualenv

Turbogears tutorial on mod_wsgi+virtualenv+modwsgideploy

Web advertising on coding horror

2009-07-13T10:14:00.000-07:00

This post from Jeff Atwood last week is a humorous example of how quickly web advertising can deteriorate to appeal to the lowest-common denominator.

http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/archives/001286.html

It would be great if services like Yahoo! Mail would allow me to select the advertisers I'll allow, or specifically block some. Of course, I don't want to pay for this feature.

Domain-Specific Language References

2009-07-06T08:15:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to read up on DSL implementation approaches, possibly for use in a thesis project. This is my initial list of references to review.

Martin Fowler's online book (work-in-progress)

Software Language Engineering: Creating Domain-Specific Languages Using Metamodels

by Anneke Kleppe, pub 12/8/09 (available in Safari Books Online)

Eclipse Modeling Project: A Domain-Specific Language (DSL) Toolkit

by Richard C. Gronback, pub 3/6/09 (available in Safari Books Online, looks Java heavy)

Domain-Specific Development with Visual Studio DSL Tools

by Steve Cook; Gareth Jones; Stuart Kent; Alan Cameron Wills, pub 5/24/07 (Safari books online)

Automated Functional Testing Article

2009-07-01T09:57:00.000-07:00

It looks like Mr. Sutherland's article on functional testing vs. unit testing has been around for a while, but I just came across it via Hacker News.

Benefits of automated functional testing

My experience with unit tests has been largely ad-hoc, for example when I'm working with a bug-prone chunk of code. I've never been part of a large system with solid unit test coverage or worked in a TDD environment. That being said, I agree with the general premise of Tim's message. As the release manager (by default) on a fairly complex java system, having a number of solid automated functional tests was very valuable to prevent a lot of wasted testing time during busy release weekends. The ROI of creating and maintaining a large set of unit tests seems to be much less.

Google books

2008-09-23T07:36:00.000-07:00

I think it's cool that Google now supports the ability to embed a Google book on any webpage. Here's something I think might be fun to read with the kids, if this actually works...

My very own blog

2008-01-25T06:08:00.001-08:00

This is too easy. I'm not sure what I'll be posting here, if anything. The title of the blog comes from the music I'm listening to now.