Yes, I want cake.

I’ve been pretty bored with my own posts/eating lately – so I’m mixing it up. I present to you…my top 10 foods, and how I like to eat them. In order…

#1: A is for Apple

Maybe it’s because I’m a teacher. Maybe it’s just a fantastic coincidence. Either way, I love big, crispy, juicy apples. And I usually get them as gifts from my students – which is the best thing ever. Gala is a chart topper, but Braburn, Red Delicious and Granny Smith are also major contenders. However, the second I detect a hint of mush or a mealy texture – they go to the dog.

#2: Broccoli

Steamed, roasted, pureed, sautéed…I like it all. No matter how you prepare it, I like love it. To accompany this delightful, filling and oh-so-satisfying vegetable, I like balsamic vinegar, hummus and spicy mustard. Once I went through a raw broccoli/ranch dressing kick – but I found out it makes my breath smell like dog poop, so the streak ended.

#3: Plain Yogurt

The basis for my yogurt love is its versatility. Sweet? Sure. Savory? You betcha. Snack? Uh-huh. Breakfast? Almost always. Baking? Absolutely.

This is my favorite brand, too. It’s made very near my home and is always reasonably priced and it always delivers. Plus, with Holly’s new discovery, Greek yogurt can literally be created in my sleep. On a side note – I detest yogurts with fruit already in them – but love to add my own fruit to plain yogurt. Weird, I know.

#4 Milk

Okay, not a food. But I have so much love for this drink, it deserves a spot. Almond, soy, cow, chocolate – makes no difference: I love them all. WHY I love milk (I won’t even begin to talk about its ability to join cereal in making  a heavenly combination), but when I have that insatiable hunger, a glass of milk always fills in those hunger-cracks and is satisfying, too. It’s probably the fat, and I love it. Another side note – I didn’t like milk until I was in college.

#5 Cookies

Were you wondering when I was going to get to something sweet? I was. I am a major sweet person. I don’t care for chips, popcorn (unless its kettle), pizza, or pretzels. But, I’ve never met a cookie I didn’t like. The big-fat-chocolate-chip variety is my favorite.

#6 Cinnamon

Again, not really a “food” – but I combine it with SO many foods that it also deserves its own spot. My favorite cinnamon-loving-foods: lentils, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, pancakes, yogurt (see #3), ice cream, all baked goods (especially scones), coffee, and chili.

#7 Naan

Puffy, fluffy, warm Indian bread. I had this little basket with my lunch today and it reminded me that I really need to learn how to make this stuff on my own. Anybody out there have a good recipe?

#8 Carrots

I’m okay with raw carrots, they make really easy snacks, and are wonderful with hummus. But throw them in a 450* oven for 30 minutes…drooooool. The perfect dipping sauce for these little buggers involves #3 and some spicy mustard. I also really like them glazed.

#9 Avocados

This one is partially for my friend Lana. She loves avocados as much as I do. One of my favorite ways to enjoy these fruits is with a little salt and a spoon. But they make perfect, creamy, smooth, satisfying additions to salads, soups, sandwiches, cottage cheese and so much more…don’t even get me started on guacamole.

#10 CAKE!

Duh. It’s the in the title of my blog. To me, cake represents an indulgence – something I fully believe in. It is my tenth favorite food because I honestly love foods that make me feel fantastic – and cake doesn’t always do that. But it sure tastes good. I love chocolate cake the most, but I don’t discriminate. Coffee, spice, carrot, white, apple…you are all welcome. Yes, I want cake.

So there you have it. What are some of your favorite foods?