For days or it may be weeks I had a mild desire to consume sugar cake/coconut cake. Well yesterday this desire was upgraded from mild to intense. While I was pinning for sugar cake my mind raced back to my Primary School days. I use to make a detour to Miss Grace Shop to buy sugar cake at 5cents EC (Eastern Caribbean Currency) a piece.
Some researchers state that some food cravings are when the body is deficient in a particular nutrient, mineral or vitamin or it can be associated with pregnancy. Researchers further reveal that food cravings are common in 60% of the population. While it is believed that cravings in males are associated with being hungry, cravings in woman are related to emotional state (emotions like stress or boredom).
Well I had to go to some lengths to satisfy this craving for coconut cake. I went to a well known candy shop and paid two (United States/Bahamian) dollars for my sugar cake … talk about inflation! Upon purchasing the sugar cake I realized that coconut meat had to be contaminated. I was so upset that I had to fling it in the garbage. On my way home yesterday I stopped at the food store and purchase a coconut; after breaking it I found that it was spoiled. As we say back home ‘come hell or high water’ (by any means) I had to have my sugar cake.
I returned to the food store and closely examined the four remaining dry coconuts (endocarp) with no outer fibers (coir) attached I discovered that the germination pore (three circles on top of the nut) was filled with mold. However, I was urged to crack one open by the cashier – when I did the coconut meat (albuminous endosperm) was brilliant white but the water was not sweet. In fact the water was light brown and it had no aerated feel but it was not yet bitter. I registered my concern but the other cashiers insisted that given the white of the coconut meat it was good. I conceded and left.
Well to curb my sugar cake desire I began to separate the parts that had been not so white and improvise and set off on the task ahead. After the grating of the coconut, the boiling of the coconut, some vanilla extract, nutmeg and a pinch of ginger out came the sugar cake. Then there were the compliments, the increase in my blood glucose, and the release of my b-endorphins. My 9,000 taste buds were delighted and I was truly satisfied.
Some say that most woman experience guilt after satisfying their cravings. Well GULITY I am not. For the sugar cake was my love molecule. Suzane Giesemnan author of ‘Conquer Your Cravings’ said when we give in to our cravings one will immediately feel better but the effect is temporary and will return again and never satisfied. We will see as greatly rewarded am I.
