So Sweet

What is it about a buffet that creates in me a yearning to sample every dish and then return for favorites? I watch a woman fill her plate as if this is the last meal she will ever savor. She looks up and says, “ I need to sample everything.” She’s not obese, or heavy, or overweight. I expect she usually watches what she eats. 

Before I went to this yearly Christmas open house I reminded myself of the culinary talents of the hostess. She always bakes delectable sugar filled delicacies with eye appeal. 

As soon as I spotted the table, which almost buckled under the heavy load of food, my eyes went to the four large cakes— each one enticing looking. Next to the cakes—a three tier platter of cookies. 

I gingerly walked around the table selecting a bit of this and a bit of that. Making a smoked chicken sandwich, selecting cheeses, veggies and dips and eschewing the sweets. While I  chatted with friends I munched on celery, strips of cucumber, red peppers, and an occasional purple cauliflower. 

On the way out I couldn’t help taking one chocolate wrapped bell. But now I am not patting myself on the back for my self-control. I am wondering why I didn’t acknowledge the truth of the holiday— indulging in sweets is an acceptable part of Christmas get togethers. Now I’ll never know how that chocolate covered cheesecake tastes— the one someone who afler one bite smiled and said, “ This cake is the  ambrosia of  the gods.”