Not long ago I watched Sweet Hubby devour an enormous bowl of ice cream covered with toffee sauce & I made an amazing discovery. He was having this treat in the middle of the afternoon, after a day spent grazing on whatever he wanted and he felt no guilt. No. Guilt. I'm sure about this because I asked him.Me- Don't you feel guilty for eating that giant bowl of ice cream after the way you've eaten today?
Sweet Hubby- I don't understand what you're saying.
Me-Do you ever stop to consider what you are putting in your mouth and feel guilty about it?
Sweet Hubby- Why would I feel guilty?
Me- Because you never exercise and you don't eat a healthy diet.
Sweet Hubby- So?
Me- It's just not fair. I work out, eat fairly healthy and I don't take a single bite of food without considering it and usually feeling guilty.
Sweet Hubby- Really? Every bite? Why don't you stop doing that?
Me- I don't understand what you are saying.
So it occurs to me that there should be a happy medium here, although, I readily admit that his way is healthier emotionally. This conversation made me think. Am I unusual? Why can't I just enjoy my food without a side of guilt? I really want to change this although, I have no idea how.
In honor of trying, here's my recipe for toffee sauce so that you can also enjoy my favorite guilty pleasure.Nigella Lawson's Toffee Sauce
3/4 cup plus 1 tbsp dark brown sugar
2 tbsp dark corn syrup
3/4 stick unsalted butter
2/3 cup heavy cream
Put the sugar, syrup and butter in a pan and slowly bring to a boil, allowing the butter to melt and the sugar to dissolve. Let the mixture bubble for a couple of minutes before carefully & slowly adding the cream. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes or until the sauce is thick, sticky and glossy. Serve with a couple of scoops of vanilla ice cream.
Notes: I have made it using light brown sugar and light corn syrup although I prefer to have at least one of them dark. I have also used salted butter. It works every time. It's a very forgiving recipe. Also, if you let it sit for a bit it thickens as it cools. You can save the leftover (if there is any) in the fridge and warm in the microwave the day after for a 2nd helping. Or eat it with a spoon right out of the tupperware container. I'm just saying.
I am eating a Weight Watchers Chocolate Ice Cream bar while reading this post. I too, am feeling quite guilty.
ReplyDeleteLoved this recipe!
Take care,
Cathy
It IS so unfair. My hubby is the same as yours. We have been married for 13 years and he has not gained one ounce. I thought after he turned 40 that would change. No. He doesn't work out and he eats what he wants. The only thing he's good about is portion control. I, on the other hand, look at a chocolate bar and gain a pound. Thanks for your sauce recipe. I am going to try it out and put it over a low fat/calorie frozen yogurt so I don't feel TOO guilty!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! This sounds heavenly! I am going to have to make me some.
ReplyDeleteFran
Hi Jen, I'm a reader of your blog and wanted to let you know I've dedicated my latest blog to you. Thank you for all your inspiration!
ReplyDeleteOh, and that recipe looks deelish!
Jen you really need to do your recipe book - I'd be the first one in line to buy it! Yummy!!!!
ReplyDeletexo,
Kim
OMG, that looks so yummy!!!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Carol
At the risk of sounding like a feminazi...Men feel no guilt because they don't feel the societal pressure that women do related to our looks. But you are right...you have to find balance.
ReplyDeleteNigella seems to have a healthy balance and food attitude...and major sex appeal, to boot! Maybe our litmus test on these matters should be WWNG?What would Nigella do? :-)
That looks sooo good. I needed a dessert for Friday and I think I have found it. thanks for sharing!!
ReplyDelete:0)
Hi! What a delicious receipe! And beautiful pictures! I really love your blog! I'm Italian and I share with a friend the passion of home decor. We love hunting in flea markets both in Italy and in France and we like shopping fabrics and home accessories worldwide! We have a shop on-line where we sell what we love to have in our home. Have a nice day!
ReplyDeleteCiao!
Vale
Jen, That looks so good. You're making me hungry and I'm trying to lose weight.
ReplyDeleteI just had to pop over and tell you about my friend's new patio. Absolutely amazing, (to say the least). She added the most beautiful stone patio off the deck and added a fire place and is doing an english garden theme for the landscaping. Hopefully soon, I'll be able to share some photos.
I think my friends and neighbors are getting tired of me talking abour "her" house that I just had to share it with someone.
Have a great day!
Susie
Ypu're totally normal and a woman! i tihnk most women assocaite guilt with anything as yummy as ice cream and toffee sauce (or cake,candy,chips - you get the idea!)Can't wait to try the recipe!
ReplyDeleteJanae
OK...I know I am going to get into trouble for saying this, but I am going to anyway. I am not skinny, but I am not a big girl. A size 10. Have been since the birth of my first son 36 years ago. FOR YEARS my mother-in-law was on me and my sister-in-law about counting calories and considering EVERY bite that we took. "Oh don't eat that...it's gonna make you fat!" Oy! I finally said...no more. I am still a size 10, but if I decide to eat something I love, I give myself permission to JUST ENJOY IT, because otherwise, what's the point. Life is too short, so eat dessert first! My poor sister-in-law...she still can never ever ejoy her food. All of this hounding by my mother-in-law turned her into a "closet eater" and never felt the right size or pretty enough, so at 51 she just married. She is a big girl. And may I add...my mean mother-in-law is no skinny minnie herself, so people need to not worry about others and live life! I eat healthy...shop organic grocery stores and make flavorful healthy meals...however when I decide to order desert, I ENJOY every single bite and never ever let a bit of guilt overcome me! Not anymore ladies! I never feel guilty anymore!
ReplyDelete