Cinnamon Sugar Toast

There are few foods I grew up eating and this cinnamon sugar toast was one of them. My babysitter used to make it for me as an afternoon snack. On cold winter days, after the walk home from school, there were few snacks I looked forward to as much as this one. I have fond memories of sitting at the counter, enjoying this with a mug of hot cocoa. The toasty treat would bring life back into my pink nose and frozen limbs. Even the spicy cinnamon scent brought around a feeling of warmth and content.

This is a very easy snack to make and eat. It isn't fancy. It isn't pretentious. It doesn't try to pretend it is something it is not. This is simplicity at its finest.

I always get a little confused with people who go out and buy the cinnamon sugar pre-mixed spice in the grocery store. Honestly, it is so simple, making it much, much cheaper. Plus, you can adjust the ratio of cinnamon to sugar yourself, making it personalized to your tastes.

A good rule of thumb is one teaspoon cinnamon for every tablespoon of sugar. You can make a small batch or a big batch, but if you have a bowl and a spoon—really, you could even use your finger (and then lick it clean)—then you can have your very own cinnamon sugar in less than a minute. No excuses, people. No excuses.

This cinnamon sugar toast smells divine. We all know cinnamon and sugar are the best of friends, but when you sprinkle them on toast with a little butter? It's delectably simple. This is the perfect afternoon snack. Or, if you are feeling adventurous, you could have this with brunch. There is really no wrong way to eat this toast. Any way you decide to serve this, you'll be glad you did.

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Vanilla Rum Soaked French Toast

I have a love-hate relationship with the gym. I tend to go to classes instead of trying to go it on my own for a few (good) reasons. Believe it or not, I can be a bit of a wimp. When I'm running my heart out on the treadmill all by myself, I want to quit as soon as there's a tiny bit of sweat. I'm tired, you know. My feet might be starting to hurt. I wouldn't want to accidentally overdo it.

But mostly, there's no one to yell at me for whining and making up lame excuses.

Now don't get me wrong, I can force myself to do some physical activity but there is no way in hell you can make me do a few hundred squats of my own accord.

In class, there is an unspoken agreement that everyone is in it together, no matter where the sweat and pain will lead you. When the going gets tough, everyone unites and there are words of encouragement spread far and wide.

When the going actually gets tough, the words of encouragement are lost in exasperated panting and strangled grunting. Our once solid unity dissolves before our eyes—it's every man for himself. I begin to actively despise the instructor for making me do 50 more crunches when my abs are burning fiercer than the fires of hell. I want to cry at the prospect of holding the plank position one more time (but my tears would only be lost in the sweat dripping down my face). I am bitter and hostile because she makes jumping around for an entire hour seem like a walk in the park. I channel all of my savage thoughts into finishing that last set. I have tunnel vision until the second hand of the clock ticks into the end of my punishment.

When class is over, all bad thoughts dissolve. The class once again becomes a strong unit. We bring out the encouraging words again. Someone mentions that class "wasn't so bad today" and I agree. The rush of a good workout somehow diminishes all the hatred and tears I felt moments prior.

I think we all get a case of workout amnesia—it's the only way we'll ever step back into that gym again.

Sunday brunch is one of my favorite meals of the week. The menu this morning called for sausage, fruit, and this vanilla rum soaked French toast. This is basically a standard French Toast recipe with a twist. As soon as you take a bite, you will be hit with the sweet tones of vanilla and a subtle kick of rum. Neither flavor is too much or too little. Make this French toast when you feel like spicing up your morning!

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