What do I want? Sweets. When do I want ’em? Now.

I’ve been craving sweets lately and I’m just gonna go ahead and blame hormones. For one thing, I think that it’s actually true about hormonal cravings. And also, I’ve been doing pretty darn good with the non-sweets-eating, even through the holiday season. So there. I think I might indulge with one or all of these:

A Spoonful of Sugar’s cupcakes look awesome and the fact that they have no flour makes them edible for me. Whoop!

And these Salted Whiskey Caramels, oh my…

Or how about Salted Caramel Brownie Fudge?

Just looking at the recipes is making me put back on those few pounds I lost, I’m sure of it. Maybe I’ll just stick with a peppermint patty instead. Or not.

P.S. I really want to make this black rice and red lentil salad, too.

Oh Yes, Brownies!

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[Sorry for the lousy ipod pic, the good camera was with its owner today.]

It’s been nearly four years since I had a “real” brownie, or any other gluten-laden delight for that matter. But I keep trying to find gluten-free versions that will emulate the look and taste of the “real” thing. Yes, yes, I know I can make them for cheaper and probably as good or better, but when it’s just me I have to make it for… well, I like the ease of the package. Everyone else gets the homemade goodies.

Now I’ve tried a few different brownie mixes and I don’t particularly like Trader Joe’s version and there’s a non-dairy/non-gluten version out there that I keep mistakenly buying which I absolutely hate. It’s a big ol’ pan of oil every single time. Hate it. Even so, I can’t remember what it’s called and will probably buy it again at some point, excited that both the GuyFriend and I can eat it. I love every by Pamela’s Products, but not really her brownie mix. The pancake mix is the bomb, though. But this week, I finally found the gluten-free brownie mix that beats them all…Hodgson’s Mill. I haven’t seen the brand before and only found it because I was looking for sugar substitutes and it was there among the sugar-free/diabetic friendly offerings. I have no idea why because it isn’t sugar-free, but that’s where it was at Fred Meyer–not in the gluten-free section where it should be. The package makes it look like they’ll turn into those lousy, dense brownies you get out of vending machines, but I added about a cup of chocolate chips and a 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts and -bam- these were the absolute best brownies I’ve had in years. Delightful enough that there are only three brownies left (thanks, in large part, to my visiting nephew!).

Definitely recommended: Hodgson’s Mill Gluten Free Brownie Mix.

P.S. For all you gluten-free cooks/bakers out there, Pamela’s Products is having a recipe contest. You should enter. I might.