What do you think of when you hear the word “indulgent”? Do you think of things that are bad for you? Eating too much? Eating sweet and starchy foods like cakes, cookies, pies, and bread? What if I told you that indulgent doesn’t have to be bad for you?
After years baking and working and serving little slices of heaven in my bakery, I still see people eyeing their third cookie and muttering things like, “Oh no, I can’t, it’s too fattening.” I always answer with something like, “If I broke down everything that is in that cookie for you, you wouldn’t even think about saying no, because you would be saying no to quinoa, brown rice, chia seeds, applesauce…” We are conditioned to think that if something looks and tastes good, then it must be bad for us, and if something looks and tastes bad, only then can it be good for us. But I’m here to tell you and show you that this just isn’t the case.
It has become my mission to continue to enjoy “indulgences,” yet still maintain my health, obey the demands of my allergies and autoimmunity, and get nutritional benefits out of everything I eat. Even cookies. Even cupcakes. Even French toast.
Now, this is not to say that you should eat at my bakery every day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Indulgences are meant to be enjoyed in moderation—too much sweetener, even the natural kind, as well as too much rich meat and too much grain, can aggravate inflammation in some people, especially those with autoimmune issues. That’s why I want you to indulge, but I want you to do it rationally and not so much that it makes you feel worse. For me, that means I usually only enjoy these recipes a couple of times a month. For you, that might mean more or less often. This is all about learning what your body wants, and when. But no matter how often you indulge, these recipes are sure to thrill you. They will also amaze the people you cook for, and help you remember how to enjoy the little things in life without compromising your health. Many of them originated in my bakery, and have made people very happy. Now it’s your turn.