The Fake Laugh! I can’t stand it, but do you think it’s necessary to climb up the corporate ladder?
For the past 13 years that I’ve been working in Corporate America, I’ve encountered folks who make small talk with one another and laugh for no apparent reason, and the laugh is so fake. 
To begin with, how the hell do you fake a laugh? Just the other day, my co-worker and I were practicing the fake laugh on one another, and sadly, or shall I say thankfully, neither one of us was successful. 
So when my manager rolls around to check up on me and makes a comment about so and so, I sometimes just smile because I can't do a fake laugh. I've tried, the sound just doesn’t come out, and if it does, it sounds so FAKE!
And it’s not just me, just last week I had all my nieces attempt the fake laugh and none of them were successful, except my 10 year old niece, Neha, who is quite the social butterfly.
This brings me to question, are people who are more social and outgoing the ones who automatically possess a fake laugh? And are these the folks who climb up the corporate ladder? 
Maybe it’s okay to just be nice, genuine, smart, and possess a good work ethic? Or do we need more to make it big? Do we need to kiss ass?
Well, on that note, here is a fake Chocolate Chip Cookie, hey, it only takes a minute, but it tastes like the real thing. This is the perfect dessert when you want something quick, indulgent, and in a smaller portion. 
NUTRITION: Aside from some protein, there really is no nutrition in this recipe. I used a tablespoon of whole wheat pastry flour instead of white flour which adds a little bit of fiber and protein. Also, egg yolk adds some protein to this cookie. Lastly, I used 1 tablespoon of bittersweet chocolate chips which contain antioxidants.
APPROXIMATE NUTRITION PER SERVING (yields 2 servings):
- Calories: 190 cals
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Carbs: 22 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
INGREDIENTS (makes 2 servings; slightly modified from My Kitchen Antics):
- Unsalted Butter – 1 tablespoon (melted)
- White Sugar – 1 tbsp
- Brown Sugar – ½ tbsp
- Pure Vanilla Extract – ½ tsp
- Salt – just a small pinch
- Egg Yolk – 1
- All-Purpose White Flour – 2 tbsp
- Whole Wheat Pastry Flour – 1 tbsp
- Ghirardelli Bittersweet Chocolate Chips – 1 tbsp
DIRECTIONS:
1. Add a tablespoon of butter to a cup.
2. Melt for 40 seconds… less or more as needed.
3. Then add the white and brown sugars, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well.
4. Add the egg yolk and mix well.
5. At this time add the flour. Mix, but DO NOT OVERMIX!
6. Add the chocolate chips. 
7. Fold in.
8. Microwave for 50 seconds, or depending on your microwave strength, start with 40 and work your way up if need be. Serve immediately! DELICIOUS!
TELL ME: Do you possess a fake laugh? Do you believe you need a fake laugh to climb up the corporate ladder?
Akila says
Wow that's a stunning cake... So quick n easy.... Even I can't do the fake laugh but I know some of my colleagues do just to impress their higher officials.... Who cares....
honeywhatscooking says
Thanks Akila. Yup, I believe many people do it to make convo with upper management. Guess it is an acquired skill. Oh well.
Khushboo says
We have never owned a microwave and truth be told, I've never felt the urge to buy one...until now! This cake looks SO good and given the ingredient list (and your track record), I have no doubt that it tastes more than legit! Any idea whether the mug cookie could work in the oven (of course cooking time will be longer)! Oh and as for the fake laugh- you aren't alone! I sound ridic every time I try...I applaud those girls who can have it down!
honeywhatscooking says
K - it would defi work using a toaster oven on 350 degrees F, but I couldn't tell you for how long. It should be done on top and not overly cooked. I know, I don't know how some women have it down.
Amelia @ Chai a cup of life says
omg you're so funny 🙂 Classic, practicing fake laughing at work, I love it.
Cookie in a cup is my type of recipe, it looks tasty too
honeywhatscooking says
Thank you, Amelia. I'd like to think I'm funny too. 🙂
Dixya says
I have yet to try cake/cookies in a mug. And about the fake laugh, I cant do that and probably why I am not good at climbing that corporate ladder. But I have seen a lot of people with that kind of personality ALWAYS achieve so much more..
honeywhatscooking says
I do believe those with that type of personality do achieve more, for sure. Merit is one thing, but almost always will people promote folks they click with and know. It's a good thing I never wanna go down the management track, less kiss assing.
[email protected] says
I've been wanting to try a cake in a mug of some sort - I like it for its portion control,easy clean up and how quick it is. I love this choc chip cookie version, I'd totally try this.
As for fake laughter, I think it helps some people network better and get in front of other people. fake laughter or not, building a good network and letting your work speak for itself is what helps be successful. There are those people who want yes men - but then, would you really want to work for such people? Corporate America is interesting to say the least, in my many years I've come to learn to build a solid network and be damn good at your job! No one can look away from you if no one can do what you do.
honeywhatscooking says
Yes, I think if you do good work, you will almost always get the recognition. But I believe to get high up there, you need to have a certain personality.
Tara says
I've always wanted to try those cute little treats in a mug, but I'm so much more of a savory treat person then a sweet. 🙂
I don't work in corporate, but have been in situations where I have seen/heard the fake laugh and I think it's so funny sometimes! I personally can't do it either, it ends up being like a small chuckle or I just try to make genuine conversation where the fake laugh isn't necessary. 🙂
honeywhatscooking says
Yeah, I have a chuckle too, but certainly not a laugh unless it really is funny.
Anne ~ Uni Homemaker says
I can't stand fakers and politics. That's why I left the corporate world 2 years ago. I'm done with the rat race 'cause I can't stand people who talks a good talk and only cares for themselves.
Love how quickly you can whip this up, delicious! Have a great week Honey! 🙂
honeywhatscooking says
Awww Anne. Sorry to hear that. I believe in every profession you will meet all sorts of people - genuine and backstabbers. Sorry! Make this cookie. 🙂
B Dav says
That looks delicious!
And I do think those who are more social might be better because they have probably been in more situations in which they had to use it. I've never faked laugh in my life, even in corporate, but they may be because I think everything is funny... lol.
Britt
honeywhatscooking says
Haha Britt. Yeah, many times I wonder if people just find everything funny. I have a sarcastic sense of humor and concentrated, hence only certain humor appeals to me. 🙂
[email protected] says
Your "fake" cookie looks much better than a real cookie! I can't fake laugh either and it makes me uncomfortable when people do it.
honeywhatscooking says
Lol. Thanks Christin.
diaryofanindianmum says
Fake laugh/smiles come in very handy in my extended family. I don't use them at work but around some family members it's a necessity! I don't have a fake laugh as such but a smile which when used properly looks really good but all it says shut the hell up! Specially for the those old aunties whose life depends on the latest piece of gossip! On another note- cookie in a cup in a minute! You have just made my Monday! For some reason I could not post this on Monday!
honeywhatscooking says
@Sejal - awww.. I think we all have family members we don't like and just have to fake it. I'm not even a good faker, I just I.G.N.O.R.E! Aunties are the biggest losers man... it starts with...
where are you going to college?
where are you to work?
have you found a job?
when are you getting married?
when are you having kids?
and then what? life's over?
Many of these women sit at home and have absolutely nothing better to do with their time, and hence they feed on gossip.
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
Fake laughs aside (which I agree, is annoying!), this is a scrumptious mug cake! I've attempted nutella mug cake before. So yum 🙂
honeywhatscooking says
@Kiran - thanks.. you would love it. I can picture your pictures... vintage looking and all.
Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic says
Ack this is too easy, it's dangerous! I think everyone sees through fake laughs anyway so better not to do it!
honeywhatscooking says
It's easy. It's dangerous. It's a one night thing. So enjoy it. I sound like a moron if I attempt to do it.
Kiersten @ Oh My Veggies says
I fake laugh all the time. It's like a nervous tic for me. When I'm uncomfortable, I laugh. (Is that weird?! I guess it is.) I've made mug cakes before, but never a cookie! I'm going to have to give this a try. 🙂
honeywhatscooking says
@Kierten - Lol... love your honesty! It's not weird, many people do things when they are nervous. Not sure what I do, probably don't talk. Lol. You'll like this.
Anonymous says
This post is hilarious, I can relate to this a lot because, I'm not good at generating a fake laugh. I can smile at a whim though. This chocolate chip cookie in a cup looks so delectable, can't wait to try it. JC
honeywhatscooking says
@JC - I know you are NOT the queen of a fake laugh, hence why you are my BFF - 100% originality, I expect nothing less from you. I know your smiles, I do the same, can't laugh though. I'll make you this cookie next time you visit. Love U!
Nik Sharma says
This is such a hilarious post from the start to the finish. I never get the fake laughs either, the mug cookie recipe looks good!
honeywhatscooking says
@Nik - thanks Nik. Glad you thought so. Me neither, the cookie is yummy though.
Asha Shivakumar says
Hate fake but there's nothing that I hate about this easy mug cake. I am gonna pass the recipe to my boy, a dessertaholic..would love this.
Btw hate fake people, makes me nauseous.
honeywhatscooking says
@Asha - you and I both, I hate fake people. The older I get I realize it is best to surround yourself with genuine, nice people who wish you only the best. Life is too short for fakes!
eatgood4life.blogspot.com says
Holly smokes, I have seen this over the internet before but never with the step by step pictures. I am making this so so soon, this is genius. What a great way to satisfy the sweet tooth without over doing it 🙂
honeywhatscooking says
Thanks Miryam. It's fattening, but it's a quick way to have dessert without having any leftovers. 🙂
Anonymous says
How in the world is this two servings? 😀 It looks so small in its little cup... bet it is delicious though!! <3
honeywhatscooking says
Haha, it's very rich, hence the 2 servings.