Dessert Happens.

No. It is not my birthday.

But it sure feels like it is when one starts their morning off with a delicious treat!

The Entenmann’s Vanilla Cake and Chocolate Donut flavored coffees are both heaven in a cup.

So yummy and delicious that one is left with the dilemma of which flavor to select to brew.

Why force an early morning decision making process? Just brew both together!

Oh yes, I went there people.

If Seinfeld can suggest we unite the world by looking to the cookie, why not take the coffee world by storm and unite the chocolate and vanilla coffee?

A litte bit of chocolate mixed with a little bit of vanilla can NEVER be a bad thing.

In my mind, I am indulging in a chocolate donut and a slice of vanilla cake. And don’t try to tell me otherwise.

Especially when I am drinking out of my birthday mug. I am in my own little fantasy happy birthday place.

There are times however when these dessert mind games don’t work and one needs a true bite of decadence. 

When that decadent moment is needed, no fake desserts allowed.

Like the Jell-O pudding cup.

You cannot sit here and tell me that a dinky Jell-O pudding cup is satisfying.

Nor can you tell me that you can pronounce all of the pudding cup ingredients -SPELL CHECK DOESN’T EVEN RECOGNIZE MOST OF THE INGREDIENTS AS WORDS:

Water, xylitol, modified food starch, cocoa processed with alkali, milk protein concentrate, contains less than 1% of hydrogenated vegetable oil (coconut and palm kernel oils), salt, sodium stearoyl lactylate (for smooth texture), sodium alginate, sucralose and acesulfame potassium (sweeteners), natural and artificial flavor, artificial color.

 

There is room in everyone’s diet for a good dessert. Every day.

And, a serving of true dessert will delight your palate enough to quench your cravings and keep you on track.

WARNING: The dessert tips below each involve fruit in some way.

There is a reason why they call it Nature’s Candy.

The Cookie ChRUNicle’s 3 Tips for Creating a Satisfying (and Nutrient Dense) Dessert Every Day:

1. CHOCOLATE COVERED FRUIT- We all know how I feel about fruit. Especially when it is covered in chocolate.

While we cannot always send ourselves an Edible Arrangement, we CAN make our own chocolate covered fruit.

I make these berries on a regular basis for myself and for the little boy. They are quick, easy and most importantly SATISFYING.

We tend to favor strawberries but also like to dip pineapple and apple slices.

And no, please don’t use chocolate syrup in place of real chocolate.

You can either melt some chocolate chips (preferably dark chocolate) or, pick up the box if 100 calorie Mini Dark Chocolate Bars to keep your portion in check.

Crumble the bar in a microwave-safe dish and melt.

Once melted, dip your berries and let harden.

Or, if you are as impatient as my little boy, simply dip your fruit into the melted chocolate and pop in your mouth.

Have yourself a fruity fun fondue party. 

2. FROZEN GREEK YOGURT – Take those Chobani bites and place them in your freezer. They are not only delicious but have a much healthier (and may I say more recognizable) list of ingredients than the pudding cup.

BONUS TIP: Make a banana split sundae – add the yogurt to a bowl with a cut up banana,  top with  dark chocolate chips, handful of mixed nuts, granola, raisins, Trader Joe’s house whip…possibilities are endless.

Or, save some of the Chobani bites in the refrigerator and get creative:

Click on the picture above for the yogurt cone recipe.

3. MY ALL TIME FAVORITE:

It really doesn’t get better or more simple than a sliced apple, a scoop of peanut butter and a sprinkle of dark chocolate chips.

Bonus tip: Slice apple, sprinkle with cinnamon and microwave for about a minute. 

Like warm apple pie. Without the pie.

If you have the tendency to eat the entire jar of peanut butter, use a measuring spoon. A tablespoon will really take you a long way. Try measuring, you will see.

If you allow yourself a decadent treat every day, you may find you don’t feel the need to eat the entire jar of peanut butter.

Denying one’s self is what leads to overindulging.

Sure, I used to buy those Vita-top muffins and I certainly won’t tell you not to. The muffins are good as well topped with fruit.

But sometimes it isn’t about calories so much as selecting wholesome and nutrient dense foods.

Fruit is sweet, satisfying and nutrient dense. I don’t see anything wrong with going back to the kitchen for another apple on a “hungry day”.

Or any fruit for that matter.

If the majority of your days include nutrient dense desserts, there is always room for the restaurant indulgences.

We all know I frequent Cold Stone Creamery and The Cheesecake Factory.

Everything in moderation.

Although the next time I pop into Cold Stone, I may just buy the chocolate dipped waffle cone bowl. And then load it up with fruit at home.

I need to know:

What is your favorite dessert?

Do you eat dessert every day?

What is your favorite fruit?