Monkey Tails

When I was younger, my parents would occasionally take me to the local Dairy Queen for treats. My dad would get sundaes, my mom would get blizzards, my sister would get towering cones of chocolate ice cream, and I would get Monkey Tails. Because, to a nine year old me, frozen bananas were much more delicious than hot fudge and sprinkles (and I think they always will be).

Recently, I have been swept with a burst of childhood whimsy. You can spot me eating caramel apples, singing camp songs, and swinging at the local playground. And so, when I remembered Monkey Tails earlier today, I vowed to make them.

My sister and her lovely friend were the recipients of these Monkey Tails. Though, with their teenage minds, they took my innocent, childhood frozen bananas and turned them into more "that's what she said" jokes than I care to admit. I forgive them. Once that first bite is taken, childhood rushes back and hits you with such a force that you cannot help but be nostalgic.

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Mocha Frappuccino

I love Starbucks and chances are you do too. However, once the novelty of frozen coffee drinks wore off, it became increasingly harder for me to spend $4 on tasty treat. Yes, they are convenient. Yes, they are delicious. But, I must ask myself, are there really worth it? Does an alternative exist that is just as delicious and won't break the bank?

And so, I set out to find it.

This frappuccino has the right consistency and flavor of a coffee shop frozen drink. They can be made at home in the same time it would take a barista to serve you up one. And it will cost you cents to make instead of an entire savings account, which comes as a great relief to this poor college student.

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Chocolate Chip Raisin Oatmeal Cookies

It was four years ago. It was a potluck picnic in a park on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. I spotted these cookies, these beautiful cookies, in a small, decorative tin on a table covered in layers upon layers of food. However, as far as I was concerned, the table might as well have been completely empty because I simply could not take my eyes off of these divine specimens. It was love at first sight. And then, shortly thereafter, love at first bite.
For four years, these cookies and I had an infrequent affair. On rare occasions, we would meet and I would devour this dear cookie whole, savoring each and every bite. Twice. Thrice. Once is never enough. Finally, after much exaltation, begging, and pleading (only once on hand and knee), this recipe was released unto me. And so, dear readers, I shall release it unto you, so you, too, can embark on the love affair of a lifetime.
This cookie has heft. It has volume. It demands your full, unwavering attention. This cookie is also sugar-free. There is not even a sugar substitute present. The sugar comes solely from the chocolate chips and raisins. 'What?' You may ask. 'A sugar-free cookie? You fell in love with a sugar-free cookie?' Yes, I did. And you will too. The sugar is not missed. You will not realize it is gone. In that fact is where the true beauty of this cookie lies. Your relationship with Mr. Sugar-free will always be much healthier (and tastier) than with any other second-rate cookie that catches your eye.

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