Written by Valerina of Une Gamine dans la Cuisine

Is it normal to have dreams about a world filled with lemon ricotta cheesecakes covered in waterfalls of dark chocolate ganache? And rivers of smooth, cashmere caramel filled with salted macadamia stepping stones? Or better yet, trees that bloom plump hazelnuts stuffed with Nutella and peanut butter rum balls? If not, then I am happy to consider myself abnormal! However, I do have a valid excuse for this 'condition'.

I grew up in a rather sweet restricted household. My father was French and we moved to the U.S. when I was about five years old. Homemade yogurt topped with strawberries, a small wedge of a pear tart with cheese, or a tiny pieces of plain dark chocolate were considered dessert. I am not complaining about the quality of any of those selections. But during school lunches my chopped apples or mashed bananas and cream looked so boring compared to all the Little Debbie snacks and animal crackers.