Last week I received two large containers of sugar plums from my CSA (Community Supported Agriculture.) The only time I've heard of Sugar Plums were in relation to Christmas. I believe its a dessert or treat people make that actually has nothing to do with sugar plums. I could be wrong.

There's another Indie Artisan Giveaway for the month of May! Yes, the Smell Goods Lady enjoys supporting Indies, and there are so many fabulous ones to support.

Enter to win!
Ends 5/28/10 9 pm, est

Live good. Feel good. Smell good.

This is my after work had a long day treat!
12 oz. bag of frozen diced mango
1/2 cup sparking water
2 teaspoons agave nectar
optional: a few fresh or frozen pineapple chunks for add depth in flavor.

Put all ingredients in food processor - hold tight, the first few seconds are a bit rough until the mixture smooths out. If you have a small food processor add water in two sets because the water can start spilling out if two full. Enjoy as is or pour into container and chill in freezer.

***For more of my food and art journey follow my blog.
www.potsanddishes.blogspot.com

Last week I made this incredible Vegan Chocolate Cake and I had to share! This cake is so rich and delicious that I named it the Triple Chocolate Indulgence Cake. Three layers of moist, vegan chocolate cake with cocoa frosting layers and topped with a vegan chocolate ganache and vegan *chocolate chips! Ummmm Yummmm.....pure Goddess food! Dig it....

*I do wonder why my chocolate chips are ashy? Tasty but Ashy! LOL

For your baking pleasure...get the recipe here http://bit.ly/6ADUbQ

**********The flavors of mango and lime work so perfectly together. I wanted to share this sweet simple and refreshing dessert or snack.
Tossed 2 diced mangos in a bowl with zest of about 1 or 2 limes (save some to garnish). Let sit in the frig. a couple of hours to let flavors develop or eat right away. Taste great alone or serve it like I did mine topped with plain yogurt with no sugar added, it gives the dish a nice balance of sweet and pungent then and garnish with more lime zest. Enjoy!

My new health goal and culinary challenge is to reduce my sugar consumption. This has been very hard for me because I love eating and creating desserts.
I'm not going to try to cut sugar out all together but I want too gradually try to reduce. (I'm no fool).
In the past I've been baking with a mix maple sugar and syrup which works really well and I also use sucanat and evaporated cane juice which is just a touch better than white refined stuff.
I'm using pure apple juice as a sweetener in this cake and a little agave syrup and apple juice in the topping. I just wanted to post some pictures to keep myself and I hope others inspired.

New Morning I beautiful Sistren.
Prayerfully each one is rising today inna spirit of wild joy, procreative fertility & sweet vibrations within.

I got another recipe. This one is for all'a you who like warm breakfast cereals.

Ingredients:
1/4 C. Buckwheat (that has been coarsely ground up)
1 1/4 C. Water
Dash of Salt
2 Tsp. Vanilla
1 Cinnamon Bark
1 Bay leaf
1/4 Tsp. Cardamom (or more to taste)
1/4 Tsp. Allspice
1/4 Tsp. Nutmeg
1/4 Tsp. Anise Seed
Arrowroot (optional)
1/4 C. Coconut Milk
Maple Syrup
2 Tbsp. Flax Oil
1/2 C. Mango (Fresh or frozen)
1/2 C. Blueberries
5 Dates chopped into little pieces
1 banana cut into small quarters

Bring water to a boil add salt and while stirring, add Buckwheat. Have all the spices ready. I like to bust em' up myself right before I use them as that ensures I receive the full essence of their healing energies. Now, put em' in along with the maple syrup and vanilla.

When it begins to thicken add the Coconut Milk and arrowroot (jus a lil bit).

I am a sucker for desserts, and I have become heavily interested in pretty photos of food, cooking and baking creatively lately, and taking pictures of the finished product brings me such great creative satisfaction; plus it's a great way to keep track of some of your favorite recipes and the ones that were hits with your family...especially the hubby! Serving creative plates does not have to be enjoyed only at a nice restaurant..so take some time and serve yourself and your family with the 5 star treatment...you deserve it! So this past summer the hubby and I stayed at the Hyatt in downtown Atlanta, and we ordered room service for dessert much too late than needed(but hey, the little one was with the grands, and that only happens once in a blue moon for us). We had the best roasted banana bread pudding, and ever since, I have had it in the back of my mind to try to make it. So I gave it a try recently and it came out wonderfully & photographed nicely. Enjoy!

Roasted Banana Bread Pudding