Ooey, Gooey, Sticky, and Chewy - Defining Dessert

There has been a magnet on my mom's fridge for as long as I can remember that says:

Of course I eat all 

four food groups: 

Ooey, Gooey, 

Sticky, and 

Chewy.

If we were to have dessert it was homemade Apple or Lemon Meringue pie, a big bowl of ice cream, or cookies.  Mmm, cookies.  But as an adult, and as someone who doesn't have much of a sweet tooth, I don't tend to have those things in the house... that and if I were to I might just blow up like a balloon.  So I've come to appreciate other things as my sweet fix.  I'm happy with a slice of toasted baguette with neufchatel cheese (basically light cream cheese) and jam, or a cheese plate with apple, berries and yogurt.  You get the picture.  Now that I've got a kiddo, though, I'm trying to find tasty things that are sweet and yummy, but don't set a precedent that Ooey, Gooey, Sticky and Chewy are her only options for dessert. 

Last week, we were visiting with neighbors and their collective brood.  When it was time to go, I told them that we were headed home for something sweet; yogurt with honey, raspberries, and a ginger snap cookie.  When I told my neighbor what it was that we were going to have, she said, "WOW Fancy!"

I thought to myself, "Huh?!"

I'm certain that I benefit from my many years in the restaurant industry and from my travels abroad because I don't define dessert as being just one of the aforementioned Über Four.  Here are some things that I like to lean towards for my little one:

- Tasty yogurt
- Sorbet and one shortbread cookie
- Fresh fruit, especially during berry season
- Peaches and cream (yes whole, real cream.  One tablespoon is all you need to make it really good!)

Of course I don't shy away from Flan or Chocolate Chip Cookies, so I'm not saying you should either.  Just maybe think outside the fridge magnet from time to time.


Santé