Chapter 2 page 252 - chocolate cravings

I've been trying to write this post for a couple of weeks. I desperately wanted to include photos of my homemade treats, but with the new puppy . . . no such luck.

As part of my lifestyle revolution, I've returned to some of the "treats" I used to eat when I was much skinnier.

Here are some of my favorite chocolate craving fixes:
1. Chocolate drizzled frozen banana slices

source

How to make it:
a. cut up the banana into slices, place on wax paper
b. melt 10-15 chocolate baking chips (any flavor you want - my FAV for this "treat" is the pb & chocolate chips) in the microwave for a few seconds
c. drizzle the melted chocolate onto the banana slices
d. freeze for 2 hours
e. enjoy - delicious!!!!!

Alternatives to the basic above description:
a. Drizzle chocolate syrup instead of melted chocolate chips (that's more of what is shown in the photo above).
b. Check out this white chocolate, kid-friendly, and fun alternative below (source)


2. Cake (yes, that's right - make a cake)

source

How to make it:
a. select ANY boxed cake mix (seriously - ANY . . . chocolate, white, cherry, lemon, Duncan Hines, Betty Crocker, Jiffy - anything - does NOT matter!!!!)
b. select ANY can of soda (diet or regular or anything in between) - I prefer using room temp soda because it keeps the cake together a little bit more, but it does NOT matter
c. pour both the mix and can of soda into a bowl - use a mixer to mix completely
d. pour mixture into any cake pan that is listed on the back of the cake mix box (13X9, cupcakes, 2 round cakes -whatever . . . you guessed it, it does NOT matter)
e. bake according to box directions for the type of pan you're using

Alternatives to the basic above description:
a. It's deliciously moist when left untopped, but here are some suggestions if you just have to "frost it": sugar free pudding made with skim milk, fat free/sugar free cool whip (they have even have chocolate flavored), chocolate syrup, powered sugar, fruit, or even icing if you aren't too concerned about calories
b. For a special Easter treat - try a white cake mix with an orange soda.
c. For the 4th of July celebration - try a strawberry or cherry cake with Cherry 7 UP.
d. Go crazy - any cake, any soda - I usually have a diet coke (or diet mt. dew) and chocolate cake

One last thing about the cake & soda:
a. One cupcake (or 1/24 of a 9X13) is only 1 weight watcher point (the old system) - how can you loose with that?!?!?


3. Hot Chocolate (home-made)

source

Recipe (makes many mugs full so store in an air tight container until needed):
2 cups of non-dairy creamer
1.5 cups sugar
3/4 cups unsweeted cocoa
1/2 cup dry milk
1/4 tsp salt
Mix well. Store in air tight container

How to make it:
a. 2 heaping spoonfuls mixed with 8 oz of hot water
b. stir
c. top with marshmallows, cool whip, or spray cream (shave chocolate on top for a fancy touch)

Alternatives to the basic above description:
a. add a little cinnamon in the mix
b. stir with a candy cane
c. use chocolate syrup to rim the mug - turn mug upside down and dip in toffee pieces (found in the baking aisle with the chocolate chips or crush up your own Heath bar)
d. garnish rim with a strawberry (like restaurants serve water with a lemon wedge on rim)