Nudged: Make my favorite dessert

I already know what I’m going to make. It’s easy, it’s quick. But I always seem to come up for excuses for why I can’t make it. This week, I’m going to delight my sense of taste with a treat that makes me happy.

How will you celebrate yourself this week?

What Happened: Chocolate Mousse is my favorite dessert, and I wasted no time on this. Sunday afternoon I walked a few blocks to a neighborhood market get a pint of heavy cream, the one ingredient I didn’t have on hand. Thirty minutes later, these small pots of yumminess were ready to chill.

My favorite recipe, by the way—and I’ve tested many—comes from David Lebovitz’s book The Sweet Life in Paris. I can’t find the recipe online, so you’ll need to get the book if you want to try it. It’s an egg-less version, which suits me fine, and I substitute coffee liquour for the Charteuse. (If you prefer a more traditional recipe with eggs, try Lebovitz’s version here.)

I enjoyed the first two servings a few spoonfuls at a time. Occasionally I enjoyed a spoonful while standing in front of the refrigerator. Servings three and four were enjoyed, separately, in one sitting. Number five is in the fridge, and I paused for half a second before resisting the temptation to share it with a neighbor. (I did offer some to Thor, who wisely declined.) Maybe I will with my next batch. Right now, I’m looking forward to having it all to myself when I really want it.

Here’s what didn’t happen: I didn’t once binge, stuff down emotions, feel guilty, or vow to “make up for this” with an extra round at the gym. I enjoyed every delicious mouthful.

The Ah-Hahs: Enjoy is the key word for this Nudge. I’m so good about treating friends and neighbors, so it was really lovely to 100% give myself a treat.

The chocolate mousse itch has been scratched, and it will likely be a while before I make it again. I’m glad I did this Nudge this week. It was…just…nice.