A New Little Treat!

OK, so two days after returning from this fantastic chocolate conference experience, I started on the South Beach Diet. (Right now you're saying, "Are you daft, woman?" And I would have to answer, "Quite possibly.") Now, if you're not familiar with the South Beach Diet, Phase 1 (the first two weeks) requires that you delete all sugars and starches from your diet. Of course, to me, this translates to "NO CHOCOLATE." I'll admit, I have a hard time going without bread and rice and pasta, but I'd trade all of those for my daily dose of cacao.

Obviously, I'll have to get creative.

My first attempt: I sprinkled some Cocoa Framboise Dusting Powder into a little bit of what was supposed to be plain nonfat yogurt and turned out to be sweetened with Splenda. I did this rather on the spur of the moment, because I had really intended to have UNsweetened plain yogurt mixed with dill as a veggie dip. Anyway, the result was not stellar, because I despise artificial sweeteners and swear I could still taste the Splenda an hour later.

Attempt #2: I had some coffee leftover from this morning, kind of hanging out cold in the pot. I poured about 3/4 of a cup into a glass and mixed in about 1/2 teaspoon of Aztec Spice Dusting Powder. I stirred vigorously, added ice, and filled the glass the rest of the way with skim milk. OK, so maybe my expectations weren't all that high due to the absence of sugar - or maybe I was desperate - or both, but I was delighted with this little creation! I think the cinnamon really brings out the chocolate flavor and makes it seem sweet even when it isn't. Now, if a person weren't opposed to the little yellow and blue packets as much as I am, perhaps this beverage would become even more enjoyable. This experience has taught me that chocolate need not be sweet to wield its powers of peacefulness.

I think I'll call it Aztec Desperation. I'm sure culinary history (and carbless dieters everywhere) will thank me for this contribution!