I'd buy a pod (I did they are great, not the same as playing through an amp as there response is totally different however you can pick up a pod v2 for next to nothing on ebay). Failing that remember that most of the noise you hear is contributed by the room you are in. Experiment with the mic in different positions (not necessarily all directly facing the amp). Also try recording the amp in different places (like in the can, in a cupboard, in your front room etc).

My current way involved getting a large diaphragm (sp?) condenser mic (shure KSM57... not cheap !) set to an omnidirectional pattern, parallel with the top right of my speaker cab. I do this at low volume (well I have to) so I'm not worried about the SPL popping my capsule. If my neighbors and wife are out then it is possible to use an SM57, (much cheaper but not so sensitive, much more self noise) in the same position.