My farewell is to my secret indulgences. Okay, they aren’t really a secret from my family, but they are a secret from you. And I thought these indulgences were … were not that bad. I thought I was keeping within a reasonable caloric range despite them.

I was wrong.

When pregnant, I don’t like to count calories. It’s too systematic for a natural process like this. And although I don’t formally count any calories, I do keep a running tab in my head — or do I thought. Apparantly, my running tab is about as far from reality as you can get. GRRRREEEEAAAATTTTTT.

Fortunately, I realized this early enough to stop it. And it only became a problem of late. So ultimately, the damage is minimal. That is, by far, a good thing. Sometimes, we all need wake-up calls like this to remind us that all foods are not created equal. And while I would love to continue romancing my buddy Mickey D, my pal Hostess and all the other little friends I have made, they are not worth the struggle I would endure to rid myself of their legacy (fat) later.

Don’t worry. This actually means more cooking, not less. Guess I need to get crackin’ on my homemade apple cake, French apple pie and other apple delights. And I promised my dear husband a homemade chocolate cake (it’s been forever since I last baked a cake!).

Sound counterintuitive? I don’t think it is. If I made the indulgences, I know exactly what is in them, how much, etc. And I can control it. Processed foods, not so much.

Anyway, if you see my friends, tell them I will remember them fondly.

Last night, I was innocently sitting here in my home office working when a good (pregnant) friend of mine came on and inquired what sort of chocolate concoction she should buy or make. I instantly thought of the delicious Happy Hippos that Virtual Frolic gave me. Okay, truth be told, I was already salivating about them . . . but that is besides the point. Anyway, somehow that whole train of thought and description led into me suggesting a Nutella and banana sandwich on toasted bread.

No, I have absolutely no clue where the connection came from (other than the Happy Hippo filling being somewhat like Nutella). In any case, it was every bit as good as I imagined it would be. It was so chocolate and banana-y.

Mmmm.

There is no recipe for this one. Just toast two slices of bread, spread generously with Nutella on one side of each slice, layer with banana slices and put together. Cut it all in half and enjoy.

Now see how easy (and tasty) that was?!?

‘Cept, right now, I love them. I crave them. I want to bring big, fat ones home and stuff them with gorgonzola cheese and devour them. It’s all I’ve been able to think about for the past hour. I want stuffed green olives. NOW.

I know, I know. This is one of the downsides of pregnancy – wanting foods you normally hate. Wanting them obsessively. About a month ago it was biscuits from KFC. I couldn’t get enough of them. Thank goodness that one passed. All along it’s been fruit too. Lots and lots and lots of fruit. At least it’s on the healtier side.

With Will, it was salt. Lots and lots of salt. A little secret? I bought frozen hot pretzels and ate the large grains of salt out of the package sans pretzel. Weird, I know. He also made me crave sausage and pepper grinders. I can’t tell you how many of those I consumed.

None of this is making me feel any better. Still want those tasty little stuffed olives . . . mmmm . . . where’s my husband? I think he needs to run out to the store.

Photo courtesy of MorgueFile.

Can anyone help me out? The baby needs coffee cake (it’s all I’ve been able to think about for two days).

Now fear not, dear reader, there isn’t suddenly going to be a rush of recipes for, say, pickle and sauerkraut cookies (not to say the thought hasn’t crossed my mind). Fortunately, this child seems to be more interested in fresh veggies, fruits and lots of carbs. But junk food? Eh. Ice cream? Eh. Even chips. Eh. Unless any of it is homemade. Go figure.

But considering I typically shun processed foods and prefer homemade over store bought, it’s not so bad, particularly now that walking in my kitchen isn’t cause for running far, far away.

These cookies? They are my favorite recipe – the old Toll House one. I revisited the recipe last night, making a few minor changes because of ingredient mishaps and the desire to just do it by hand. I never use nuts, and my husband just threw out my baking soda (who knew it expires!). Oh, and I didn’t feel like pulling out the Kitchen Aid, so I mixed everything by hand – what a good workout!

The cookies came out buttery and sweet and perfect. Just the way I like ‘em.