FoCo Joe: The Superbowl Sundae
Last week I introduced you all to the FoCo Superbowl, a healthy, hearty dessert with fruit, yogurt and granola. What was I thinking in turning away from the sugary sweetness of my previous columns? Well, I was inspired by the availability of a “Superbowl” pun, and the start of the Dartmouth on Purpose 21-Day Challenge had me feeling inspired. This week, though, I’ve returned to my normal routine, and as promised, I’ll be introducing the seriously sinful opposite of last week’s creation — the Superbowl Sundae. If I had to describe my aims in creating this dessert in one word, I would probably go with “glutinous.” Luckily, I have a whole column, so you’ll get a lot more information shortly.
Some of you may be wondering, “how can FoCo Joe possibly justify asking me to eat this dessert given my current physical and emotional state following Winter Carnival, when I skipped the gym and ate 100 late night tenders?” This, I must admit, is a valid concern. First, I would remind my readers that there are, in fact, some healthy foods in this dessert. Ideally the Superbowl Sundae includes a banana — I do not know how is it possible to eat a banana-less sundae — and in addition, this dessert is the perfect “break” from your recovery diet because it knocks out all of your cravings in one sitting. In its perfect form, it should satisfy your sweet tooth, will give you the chocolate you’re looking for and will even allow ice cream and pastries to make an appearance if so desired.
Of course, not all great things can fit into one nearly pastel-colored FoCo bowl. If I may say so, I think the essence of this dessert is less what I did specifically and more a celebration of the idea that it is possible — and indeed encouraged — to indulge every now and then. College, after all, is the time to develop the good habits while breaking the bad (see what I did there, Bryan Cranston)? So as long as you don’t make this dessert again in three weeks, you should be good to go.
Here’s how I made the FoCo Superbowl Sundae:
Step 1: Grab a FoCo bowl and head over to the fruits. Pick out a banana — my personal suggestion — or any other type of fruit. Place said fruit in the middle of your bowl.
Step 2: Place a FoCo cookie (or two!) on each side of the fruit.
Step 3: Head to the ice cream station and take your pick of ice cream flavors (don’t forget that soft serve is an option as well)! Place at least two scoops into the bowl, feeling free to splurge and include three or four if you are so inclined. Don’t forget that yogurt is also a great substitute for ice cream in this dessert if you’re looking to mitigate its sugary impact!
Step 4: Time for the toppings. This is really your chance to shine — toppings are where you can make your personal mark on the dessert by selecting a perfect combination of cereals, granolas and candies. Don’t be afraid to show off — I went with Reese’s Pieces (I can’t resist), Oreos (a traditional sundae topping) and Trix cereal, which I’ve been looking for a way to fold into this column. In all honesty, I could have used more toppings but decided against it given that I was full from my own dinner.
Step 5: Syrups! Chocolate and caramel are both solid options, and for those who didn’t know, they can be found just to the left of the ice cream (by the kosher station). I definitely recommend chocolate syrup, but there is no reason not to consider both options depending on your selections.
As you enjoy this dessert, with or without friends, I hope you take a moment to treasure how special this moment really is. Here at Dartmouth, we don’t always take the time we need to express ourselves creatively, let alone unwind after a difficult week of work. While our celebrations over Winter Carnival are certainly one way to unwind, the FoCo Superbowl is a trick that can work at any time of the year, as long as it is balanced by healthy eating habits.
Treat yourselves this week! Here’s to the 21-Day Challenge, self-care and the end of swim season.