Someone who greatly enjoys sweet foods is said to have a “sweet tooth.”
Most people associate sweet foods specifically with comfort and well being. Modern day science has surfaced many reasons why people like sweet foods. In my opinion, humans are predisposed to like sweet foods for a variety of reasons but the key factor is genetics. Thanks, mom! Humans are hardwired to some extent to enjoy sweets, some sweet teeth being stronger than others (mine, for example).
Research has also shown that a sweet tooth can be a learned trait. Ahh yes, nature versus nurture. Children are often rewarded with sweets. This builds positive associations with sweet treats in the minds of children. My mom always said, “You have to start eating healthy when you’re young.” And she is so right – but there is a slight problem, maybe you’ve heard of it, it’s called emotional eating. Many modern humans already have their dietary needs met, so the consumption of sweet foods can lead to an overconsumption of calories. This component of strong sweet teeth often causes people to turn to cookies, cakes, chocolates and candies for a sense of comfort and thus, weight gain.
So, why am I blogging about high caloric food and weight gain, you ask? Well, I’ve already established I have sweet teeth. But here’s a fun fact: Mississippi tops the list, it holds the title of America’s Fattest State for the fifth consecutive year. In May 2010, I moved from the leanest state (Colorado) to the fattest state. Needless to say, whenever I get a craving for something sweet, all I have to do is go to Walmart and look around. I’m not trying to be mean, and I truly feel sorry for some of these people, but come on…we’ve all been on www.peopleofwalmart.com. You know what I’m talking about. Some people put pictures of fit, gorgeous people on their refrigerator doors to motivate them to stay on track with their healthy eating habits. I go to Walmart. It’s the same concept. But I miss Colorado and Whole Foods, a lot. But I will say this: they know their food in the south. Ooooh, do they ever. It is so easy to fall off the healthy eating wagon so I have to find SOME way to keep myself in check! 🙂
I think this would be a good time to share a decedent recipe with you for days when your sweet tooth is giving you a hard time. I never said having a sweet tooth was necessarily a bad thing…it just has its consequences. Let’s just say I fell off the bandwagon when I made this yesterday and I did NOT go to Walmart for the ingredients…oopsie daisies. Try it, though. I promise you will not be disappointed. Another piece of wisdom I learned from my mother, “If you only eat a sliver, it doesn’t count.” So, make the cake and just keep eating slivers!
Classic Cola Cake
- 1 cup Coca-Cola
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows
- Coca-Cola Frosting (recipe follows)
- Garnish: 3/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Combing Coca-Cola and buttermilk; set aside.
Beat butter at low speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add sugar; beat until blended. Add egg and vanilla; beat a low speed until blended.
Combine flour, cocoa, and baking soda. Add to butter mixture alternately with cola mixture beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed just until blended.
Stir in marshmallows. Pour batter into a greased and floured 13×9 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from oven; cool 10 minutes. Pour Coca-Cola frosting over warm cake; garnish, if desired.
Coca-Cola Frosting
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/3 cup Coca-Cola
- 3 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa
- 16 oz powdered sugar
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
Bring first 3 ingredients to a boil in a large saucepan over medium heat, stirring until butter melts. Remove from heat; whisk in sugar and vanilla.
Comments: Don’t make the frosting ahead – you need to pour it over the cake shortly after baking.
Go ahead, INDULGE. You’ll be glad you did.
Have a great day and y’all come back!
Bridget says
hahahaha a sliver doesn't count?! I love this and could get on board!! Looks yummy Em!