Gosh, you all are so amazing. Thank you millions for your kind words and congratulatory comments on my last post! I’m looking forward to sharing my work experiences at the USDA with you!
*****
Have you ever suddenly realized that you’ve grown a bit bored of something you love?
It happens quite frequently over here. Sometimes it’s a song (I love Adele, but if Rolling in the Deep is played one more time on the radio, I may shriek).
Sometimes it’s a movie (I’ve watched The Holiday over 100 times).
And sometimes it’s a person (kidding!..maybe) :-p
However I rarely grow bored of my favorite foods.
I know what I like and I know what I LOOOVE.
I never thought it would be possible for me to grow tired of peanut butter; I’ve been faithful for years!
It appears atop dosage of whipped cottage cheese every night.
And spoonfuls appear in my hands quite often. Peanut butter spoons can not be left unlicked!. 
But let me tell you a secret: Over the past few weeks, my eyes have been wandering.
I’ve been struck by an urge to cheat.
Macadmia Butter is sooo seductive.
Yet despite the temptation, I’ve remained faithful.
Until Monday, that is.
When I found Artisana squeeze packs for $1.99 each at my local health foods store, I yelped Ohmygoodnessgracious! People in the aisle turned around and stared.
I really couldn’t be more ecstatic about these. As alluring as exotic nut butters are, their hefty price tags scare me. $14.99 for a tiny jar? Eeep! That’s three meals-worth of food! Plus, purchasing an entire jar of something I’m not sure I’ll like is like marrying a hunk on the street before talking to him.
My nut butter squeeze pack discovery means I can date Cacao bliss, Cashini Butter, Macadamia Butter, Walnut Butter et al. all at once! Eeeee!
Once I discover which one (or two or three) I like best, I’ll make a financial emotional investment.
The first date happened bright and early this morning.
BREAKFAST
I’ve been making an effort to get up a little bit earlier each day, as I’m going to become a full-time 7am-riser once my internship begins next week. However waking up with the sun is tough.
Looking forward to a hot, decadent date makes it easy.
**Banana Pancakes with Macadamia Butter**
1/3 cup egg whites
1/2 banana
2 T. rolled oats (or quick cooking oats)
2 t. coconut flour
1 packet stevia (or a few drops liquid stevia)
vanilla, cinnamon (optional)
1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and woosh it until well combined. (There will be small chunks of banana and oats).
2. Heat skillet sprayed with nonstick spray. Once the pan is hot, add the pancake batter.
3. Meanwhile, “grill” the remaining half banana in a touch of butter.
(I use Smart Balance because it’s loaded with heart-healthy omega-3′s)
4. Top the warm pancakes with grilled banana, macadamia butter and a touch of syrup.
(apologies for the hazy pictures! clearly my camera lense needs to be cleaned!)
Date #2 is scheduled for later this evening. I have some nutty ideas floating around in my head.
**In other news…
For those ice cream addicts out there (raise your hands), you need to know about this:
Stop your hating on McDonald’s right now, because they give away free kiddie-sized ice cream cones, if you ask.
On our way back from Charlottesville Sunday night (my friend, Elaina, and I went to escape Hurricane Irene), we made a pit stop at Micky D’s. I haven’t eaten at McDonald’s for years, but my sweet tooth had reared it’s head and something needed to be done.
Could I do it? Could I ignore my health-foodie pride and order something at McDonald’s?
Shiver.
I decided that a kiddie cone can’t do anyone any harm, so I went for it.
“They’re free,” the cashier informed me.
I can definitely do free!
The ice cream was creamy and delicious. And just the right amount to satisfy my sweet tooth. So next time you pass a McDonald’s maybe stop by and say hi to Ronald. He’s got a free cone waiting for your inner-child. 
********
What foods are you willing to splurge on?
My picks: coconut flour, almond flour, nut butters, protein powder (just received my first container of Sun Warrior!), organic produce, organic chicken and beef.
Do you feel “guilty” supporting fast food restaurants?
I do. However en lieu of the “everything in moderation” mantra, I think it’s okay to stop in from time to time. Especially for FREE ice cream!
