Go to a restaurant, grocery store or open market and, more frequently, you'll be able to find single-serving dessert offerings on the spectrum from minimized to maximized.
Proceed with caution.
Those mini offerings aren't necessarily absolving you of any dietary restraint, nor are those maxi offerings something to vilify as the root of obesity.
It's all in the perspective and, of course, should be all in moderation. For instance, the cake pops available at Sweet Infinity Bakery & Cafe, 117 S. West End Ave., are mini versions of cake — to be sure, a less decadent dessert choice than an entire slice.
"It's kind of like a truffle but not as sinful," Teresa Moshier said. She, with her husband and chef, Eric, owns the quaint bakery and cafe in Lancaster. The couple said they sold more than 250 of the cake bites on a stick for Valentine's Day. It's a versatile treat.
"It can be humorous and childish or sophisticated and grown-up," Eric said. The small bites of cake — red velvet, carrot, vanilla, cherry vanilla or coconut — are enrobed in fondant, chocolate or flavored coatings and/or filled with ganache or caramel. They sell for $3.95 each or in bouquets, with prices varying according to bouquet size.
"Mini desserts have the perception of being healthier. … It's definitely a good thing seeing things in smaller-size portions (but) you still have to watch," cautioned Jacqui Zimmerman, dietitian at the Wellness Center, 2100 Harrisburg Pike. She's been involved with the Education and Schools Action Team of the Lighten Up Lancaster County Coalition.
"Just because it's a miniature size, that's not a license to eat more of them," Zimmerman said.
So, when you're strolling through Central Market near The Goodie Shoppe and you spy the Mini Goodie and the Big Goodie — in all their super-chocolatey richness so light and fluffy on the tongue — which to chose?
Co-owner Holly Cumpston said there's a tiny elderly lady who gets the Big Goodie quite regularly, but admits that it's "too much" for some of her customers. Recently, a mother was witnessed coaxing her son to choose the Mini Goodie at $1, telling him: "You don't need all that" when he pointed to the Big Goodie ($3.50).
Zimmerman suggests buying the big version and sharing it.
"I think the best thing to keep in mind whenever you indulge is to go slowly and savor every bite. Save room for dessert if you plan to have it, rather than to eat when you are already full," Zimmerman advised.
"If dessert is something you plan to eat every day, then you should change what you think of as 'dessert.' Fresh, seasonal fruit can be a delicious dessert. Make it special by grilling fresh fruit."
Then again, you could end up having to choose between a slice of the world-record watermelon, which weighed in at more than 260 pounds, or the new mini watermelons that fit in the palm of your hand and weigh about 5 pounds each.
lschmidt@lnpnews.com
