Exquisite Banana

Alo, readers! (Does anyone still read this)? I am writing to let you know that I am no longer posting here at Nosh Spot.

But please, have no fear! I started a lifestyle blog called "Exquisite Banana," where I share all of my "inspiring finds," and "life pleasures." (Of course this includes food!)

So please, continue to hang out with me over at www.exquisitebanana.blogspot.com

xo,
Kayla

Guilty Pleasures and Holiday Resolutions

Whoops.

Apparently, "sticking to this regular blogging thing" is way easier in the summertime when I [luxuriously] have two months off. I tried to blame the back-to-school madness of September but before I could even do that, I found myself asking, "where the heck did October and November go??" So, in the spirit of the holiday season and soon-to-be New Year, I am making a premature resolution: I will dutifully try to update this weekly.

Truthfully, I haven't really been cooking too many dishes worth posting in the past couple of months, and on the occasion that I have, the digital camera wasn't around (or if we're really being honest here, I was too ravenous to bother taking any photos before devouring). However, I enjoy cooking almost as much as I enjoy eating, and blogging enables me to organize the aforementioned endeavors in an accountable forum (well, at least it is supposed to!).


That being said, y'all should seriously pick up some *Limited Edition* Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark. I bought a package this afternoon and cannot stop eating them. What can I say, it is one day shy of December and I'm 100% okay with succumbing to some guilty pleasures. Santa and I are tight: he won't judge my naughtiness.

Chocolate Chip Cheescake Brownie "Pizza"

I apologize for my hiatus, readers. September has been a busy, busy month (teachers everywhere roll their eyes in agreement). I have barely been able to cook for myself, let alone blog about cooking for myself. But, this all changed today, while lazily indulging in Sunday football and chicken wings with Tiho. (Who, by the way, is the best.boyfriend.ever because he makes me scrumptious breakfast in bed on the weekend. It's okay to be a little jealous).

Anyway, back to my point. Lazy Sunday, chicken wings...these things somehow spark a desperate craving for the immediate consumption of something sweet and gooey and chocolate-y...

In other words, a perfect opportunity to break in my brand new, state-of-the-art mixer (a gift from my mother for my 23rd birthday earlier this month). It has been grumpily sitting in its box for the past three weeks, definitely judging me, I'm sure, as I ignore it every day while rushing out to grad class; cup of coffee and hastily thrown-together sandwich in hand.

The mixer is beautiful and stately in all of its stainless steel wonder and I am very happy that I chose to indoctrinate it to my kitchen with this succulent Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Brownie "Pizza" recipe, adapted from Duncan Hines.

To make Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Brownie "Pizza," you need:

-1 Box Duncan Hines Fudge Brownie Mix (including 2 large eggs, 2 Tbsp water and 1/3 cup vegetable oil as per package directions)
-1 8 oz package of plain cream cheese
-1/4 cup butter, softened
-1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
-3 Tbsp white sugar
-1/2 tsp vanilla extract
-1 large egg
-1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium sized bowl, mix the cream cheese and butter until soft. Stir in flour, sugar, vanilla and egg. Mix until smooth. Set aside.

In a separate bowl, prepare the brownie mix following directions on the box. (Stir brownie powder mix, eggs, oil and water thoroughly).

Grease 8x8 round baking pan. Pour 3/4 of the brownie batter into pan. Layer the cheesecake mixture on top of the brownie batter. Using a butter knife, swirl in the remaining brownie batter on top. Sprinkle the chocolate chips and then bake for 35 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely before slicing into mini "pizza" slices. Serves 8-12.

The 5 W's + H

Who: Me and this pretty fly dude
What: THE. BEST. NACHOS. EVER. CONSUMED. EVER. EVERRR. EVARRRRRGGH.
Where: Sagamore Pub, Lake George, NY
When: 7:45pm, Saturday, August 29, 2009
Why: Hunger
How: Finger licking, teeth chomping, tongue slurping, belly rubbing, no time for talking because it's that damn good

***

Took a weekend road trip up to Lake George.

Succinctly: it ruled.

Not so succinctly: If you want to experience the most deliciously fresh, perfectly seasoned, well-balanced, incredible like the hulk want to stuff so much in your mouth it hurts, ginormously fantabulous plate of nachos you will ever have the pleasure of consuming in your lifetime, then check out Head Chef Mark's (of the Sagamore Pub) signature nacho platter. (He also happened to be our host for the weekend. We are so lucky).


Me be done.

Spotlight: NYTimes, "What Is 'Normal' Eating?"

THE NYTIMES

August 26, 2009, 10:32 am

What Is ‘Normal’ Eating?

By Tara Parker-Pope

Do the foods you choose define what it means to be a “normal” eater?

Today, the mental health site PsychCentral.com asks an interesting question: What does it mean to eat “normally?”

Given that 60 percent of the population is overweight, our view of normal eating has changed over the years. For some eaters, “normal” means eating fast food on a regular basis. For others, “normal” means regular failed efforts at calorie restriction in an endless cycle of yo-yo dieting.

The article cites a broad definition of normal eating by registered dietitian Ellyn Satter. Here are some of the highlights:

• Normal eating is going to the table hungry and eating until you are satisfied.
• Normal eating is being able to give some thought to your food selection so you get nutritious food, but not being so wary and restrictive that you miss out on enjoyable food.
• It is leaving some cookies on the plate because you know you can have some again tomorrow, or it is eating more now because they taste so wonderful.
• Normal eating is trusting your body to make up for your mistakes in eating.
• Normal eating takes up some of your time and attention, but keeps its place as only one important area of your life

The PsychCentral post offers a lengthy exploration of what it means to eat normally.

So what do you think of Ms. Satter’s definitions of normal eating? And how do you define eating normally?

The Art of Guacamole

You would be surprised at how much really bad guacamole I have tried in my 23 years. I do not intentionally consume bad guacamole. I cannot be blamed for eating it when it is right there in front of me for the tasting. No, the onus is on the guacamole makers and creators who make their guacamole too mushy (guacamole is not baby food, people), too mayonnaise-y (just wrong, and yes I have experienced this on more than one occasion), or too something else. There is a lot that can go wrong in the art of guacamole making.

This saddens me, because guacamole is one of my favorite foods. I love that feeling of scooping up a delicious spoonful of delicious guacamole on a crispy tortilla chip and hearing my belly whisper "thank you, Kayla."

Wait, your stomachs don't talk to you too?

Whatever, let's just get to the fun part. I do want to begin by stating my understanding that there are a plethora of quality guacamole recipes out there. The one I am sharing with you is just one of them. But, it is always the first food to go at a gathering and I have yet to hear any complaints. That's probably just because I know to leave out the mayonnaise...

Guacamole:

-2 large, newly ripened avocados
-1 Tbsp sour cream
-1 small tomato, diced (or, 4-5 grape tomatoes, also diced)
-lemon or lime juice (about 2/3 of the lemon or lime)
-1/4 of a small red onion, diced
-1 tsp cilantro (optional)
-1/2 tsp salt
-1/2 tsp pepper

Slice avocado in half and scoop the "meat" of the avocado into a bowl. Lightly mash with a fork, but remember to keep some chunks. We don't want mushy guacamole here. Stir in sour cream, tomatoes, onion and cilantro. Squeeze in lemon or lime juice. Sprinkle salt and pepper, stir one final time and immediately grab a bag of Tostitos. Devour with as much lip-smacking and belly-rubbing as you can muster.

Cheese & Peanut Butter, just like that.

It's just a really great snack. If you don't believe me, try it. Cheese should be Cheddar, and sharp. Peanut Butter does not have to be Jif.