Irish Dessert Chocolate-Guinness Cheesecake

Chocolate-Guinness Cheesecake- Recipezaar <---- Click for the recipe

I saw this recipe this morning on Facebook. Right in time to celebrate St. Patty's Day!!!

It sounds just delicious and I know, chocolate is a weakness for so many of us! I haven't yet tried it yet, but I'm anxious to do so.

What are your plans for St. Patty's Day? Do you have corned beef & cabbage?

I hope you have a wee bit 'o Irish luck this week!

New Year's Resolutions... What are they?

Okay, I know it's that time of the year where people set their New Year's resolutions and make their goals for 2009. And while I believe setting goals is hugely important... the typical New Year's resolution never makes it out of January. Many people say "That's it, I'm going to lose weight in 2009." I think that's a great concept, but I've found in goal setting that it's more believable to the brain to be specific. *And sometimes we need to 'trick' our own brain until we develop healthy habits.

So how about ... "I'm going to lose 10 pounds in January"... that's 2.5 lbs per week which is totally do-able for most people. But think about the impact over12 months... and everybody is in a uniquely different situation. 10 lbs/mo x 12 months... now that's a dramatic result. For 99% of people that's much more weight than would be healthy to lose. But even between now and June - 6 months = 60 lbs... then maintaining is much easier, because you've developed healthy routines.

Part of my healthy routine... because I LOVEEEEEEEE dessert - is having chocolate for breakfast. I know, I know... you're laughing right now. But my mom knows already ... so you can't tattle on me. LOL

In all seriousness, I do know how important breakfast is in brain function, mood regulation and overall appetite throughout the day. However bacon and eggs isn't in my morning routine according to my clock. So what I do have for breakfast is a terrific, CHOCOLATE breakfast shake. It's got great antioxidants, proteins, all your amino acids and it satisfies the insatiable sweet tooth in my. So while I love food... my belief is that anything is okay in moderation and why not have chocolate for breakfast?

Okay... so here's the fine print and my disclaimer ... I'm not a life coach and I'm not some spiritual guidance counselor, but in the spirit of this blog, I didn't want you to think that I'm all eats & treats without any mindfulness of everybody trying to lose weight right now.

Who wouldn't want Dessert First???

As a true foodie, I have one motto... "Dessert First."

Some people just laugh, not realizing how serious I am. And it's not just about the sweet tooth in me. See, most people get so full on cocktails, appetizers and the main course, that they rarely leave room for dessert.

But, what I've found is if you eat dessert first and get full, then you box up your main entree and it makes a terrific lunch the next day!

So, live on the edge... have a little fun... explore your inner foodie... Enjoy Dessert First!

So here's a picture of our New Year's Day Dinner... it was supposed to be New Year's Eve... but I didn't get the roast out to thaw early enough.

What I want to dedicate this post to is the delectable Triple Layer Brownie Dessert you see on our plates. It was so easy to make, and even as I eat the left overs 4 days later, it's still as good as day 1.

Triple Layer Brownie Dessert
Layer 1. Make box of brownie mix according to the package and let cool completely.
Layer 2. 2 pkg. cream cheese (an 8 oz. and a 3 oz.), 2 cups powdered sugar, 2 cups Cool Whip.
Soften cream cheese. Slowly blend all ingredients until smooth.
Spread over brownie mix.
Layer 3. One 3.0 oz Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix, 2 cups cold milk
(don't use rice milk, pudding won't set)
Mix Pudding mix and milk until pudding just starts to set.
Pour over top of cream cheese layer and refridgerate for at least 1 hour.

**Can be served with a dollop of Whip Cream or a few crushed walnuts on top.