weekend indulgence

well, almost weekend. 

my brain kicks in to weekend mode come Thursday afternoon....I can't help it!

Let's talk about cheese. And chocolate. 

chocolate and cheese!

Two of my very favorite things to eat. and talk about. and dream about. and eat.

Two things that also, tend to get a bad rap--especially this time of year, with all of the resolutions that have yet to be broken. They are sworn off, thrown out, and shoved to a hiding place where someone will eventually find them and binge themselves into a tummy ache full of regret (and old chocolate).

Seriously though, maybe it's just me, but anytime I have sworn I wouldn't eat something (say, sugar) I end up depriving myself of it, and eventually giving in and eating waaaaaaaay too much. right? right. 

So we don't deprive around here. We don't swear off food. We just eat healthy healthy healthy most of the time, live very active lives, and that way we are not afraid to indulge in our favorites from time to time.

Take this giant plate of cheese for example. 

Do we eat this every day. no.
(but do I wish we could.....yes!)

I put this together on Christmas Eve day. 

We love cheese, and wanted the kids to be able to try a few different kinds at once. 

I had no idea really how to pair what with what....so I was happy to find this post
over at Sprouted Kitchen. 

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP

Parmigiano Reggiano-loved this with pears

crackers

Goat Cheese (Chevre)--rolled in fresh chives, thyme, and lemon zest

peach jam--perfect for spreading on a toasted baguette and topped with manchego

sliced pears

Manchego--a sheep's cheese, loved it with the peach jam or cranberry sauce

toasted baguette slices

more crackers, but you knew that

a quick homemade cranberry sauce: whole cranberries, pure maple syrup, orange zest, and a squeeze of orange juice simmered until cranberries soften and mixture starts to thicken.

grapes.

not pictured: pickles. my kids do not believe in any appetizer that does not somehow involve pickles.....so we set them off to the side....away from the delicious cheese.

let the cheese sit at room temperature for a bit before you dive in.

have fun with it! 

see what kind of creations and combinations your kids come up with (some of which may involve pickles) .....and try not to gag. 

Moving on to dessert......chocolate style of course.

Reason #972 I love the weekend: we usually end up snuggled on the couch eating some kind of treat. We've worked hard and eaten well all week.....we deserve it! 

I made these last weekend--I haven't had blondies forever! They were a favorite when I was little--in fact, this recipe came from my mom! I just browned the butter.

Brown Butter Blondies

6TBS browned butter*

1 1/2 c brown sugar

2 eggs 

1 1/8 c flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 c chocolate chips

*to brown butter:

Heat pan on medium heat.
Cut butter in to pieces and melt in pan.
Stir continuously. Butter will foam up.
After foam subsides, small brown flecks will start to appear in bottom of pan.
Continue stirring, until butter has reached a nice brown color, and nutty aroma.
Remove from heat.

Blend brown butter, sugar and eggs until well mixed.

Stir in dry ingredients.

Pour batter into greased 8x8 pan, sprinkle top with chocolate chips, and bake at  350° for 25-30 minutes, until just done around the edges and on top (don't over bake). These are awesomely gooey in the middle.
They are perfect hot out of the oven with ice cream.

Have a happy weekend! 
Get out and do something active.....and then come home and indulge in something delicious! 


What is your favorite way to indulge?