The Candid Appetite

Where Cooking Meets Photography

Dark Chocolate

Dark Chocolate Zucchini Cake Waffles

There’s a fine line between breakfast and dessert, and I never know if I’ve crossed it or not. Muffins, scones, sweet biscuits, cinnamon rolls, and doughnuts, are they breakfast or dessert? I say breakfast, but only because I’ve been known to eat all of those first thing in the morning—and all at once, but that’s a whole other story. Maybe I’m just calling them breakfast so that I won’t feel so guilty eating them early on in the day. Doughnuts double as a dessert for me though, because I love them in the evening just as much as in the mornings. I love them during midday as well. I just love doughnuts in general, have I mentioned that before? This isn’t about doughnuts though. This post is about waffles. Focus Jon, focus. 

Pancakes, waffles and French toast, now those are for sure breakfast items, right? They’re always present at every breakfast I’ve ever been to. So I’m gonna go with, yes. Mentioning the three together of course brings up a very important question, Which do you prefer? Waffles, pancakes or French toast? I’m all about the pancakes…that is when I’m not scarfing down a stack of French Toast, then I’m all about the cinnamon and bread. But then there are the times when I’d kill for a waffle. A thick Belgian style waffle with a mountain of whipped cream (and if my doctor or mother are reading this, fresh fruit, of course). 

What happens though when said waffles are made to taste just like dark chocolate zucchini cake topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream? That’s totally, hands down, without a doubt, 100% still considered breakfast, right? Of course it is. Phew, I’m glad we settled that. I wouldn’t of been able to enjoy the rest of my day without hearing the right answer. Let’s go have dark chocolate zucchini cake waffles for breakfast, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, of course. Breakfast, I love you. Really, I do. 

…

Read More

Dark Chocolate Cherry Champagne Cakes

It is hard to believe that an entire year has gone by. We have lived another twelve months and managed to survive an apocalypse that never came. We face the end of 2012— an exciting year—so suddenly. In a split second, without warning, we blinked and realized that not only is December coming to an end, but the entire year is. We often ask ourselves, “where has the time gone?” We sit back, sigh a deep breath and try to remember moments of the year that have gone by. Memories that made this year so important. So special. We reflect on everything that the year had to offer. The highs and the lows. The people we met. The decisions we made. Situations we overcame. Changes we initiated. A graduation here. A birthday there. Suddenly it all seems to fit and make sense. Time definitely flies by and I hope it is because we have all been having fun. If you have not, well there is always next year.

The promise of a new year is very exciting. It means we have time to do all the things we did not get to do these past twelve months. It means we can start anew and really make it count. 2013 brings with it prospects of a better future. Go ahead and take that trip you have been wanting to take. Learn and grow by enrolling in those classes you have been eying. The concept of the new unexplored is inviting. New acquaintances await us and the idea of getting to know that special someone even more is enough to make you smile. This time of year is a time of reflection. It is a time to look back and make resolutions that push us to become better individuals. While the usual resolutions of dieting and eating habits can be beneficial, they seem so unimportant in the grand scheme of things. It is the resolutions to be happier, to live life, take trips, explore, take more adventures, read new books, that make all the difference. Those are the ones that matter. The ones that define us, and the ones we will remember most. Do not make resolutions to deprive yourself of the things you like to eat, but rather make commitments towards healthier choices with all things in moderation. Make a resolution to step out of your comfort zone and try out new recipes. Live on the dangerous side by cooking recipes you normally would not have tried before. How else will you know whether you like something or not?

New Year’s Eve builds the excitement and we all sit around, waiting for the big event. The grand 2-0-1-3. The champagne is poured, the food is laid out, friends and family are all around and we feel the intense anticipation that comes with this particular day. We all stand around in a group huddle in one room, television on low. The countdown begins, as if reminding us that we have to make these last moments count because they will never happen again. 10, 9, 8, we look around at everyone smiling and having a good time. We stare at those special people who make a difference in our lives and feel blessed that we are alive for yet another year. Even people we have never met before seem so important at this moment.  7, 6, 5, our stomachs begin to tighten up in excitement of another chapter ending and a new one just beginning. Satisfied and exhilarated that we have a brand new year to wipe the slate clean. 4, 3, we smile knowing that only happiness awaits. Happiness that we get to control because we have the power to make it happen. 2, 1, the cheers and screams, hugs and kisses, flying confetti and dancing balloons can only mean one thing. A new year is upon us. 2013. Go out and enjoy life, for we only have one to live. Stay safe and never take anything for granted. Tell those you love that you love them, everyday. Always live life to the fullest because you are important. Never doubt how much you mean to someone out there. Make this the best year of your life. Happy New Year!

…

Read More