pregnancy cravings

 image cartoonstock

inevitably within five minutes of telling someone you're pregnant (in case they can't tell by the basketball under your dress) they ask you with genuine curiosity if you've had any pregnancy cravings, pausing, then whispering "you know anything weird?"

each time, as i rack my brain, i start to visualize the little cartoon bubbles hanging above their head filled with massive bowls of ice cream topped with pickles of all shapes and sizes. desperately, i want to cure that devilish smile pursing their lips. i want to impress them with such an interesting combination of textures and flavors or if all else fails, totally gross them out.

most of the time, i disappoint as my pregnancy cravings are pretty standard food cravings i've had my entire life.

1. pizza. lots of cheese, very hot, with extra pepperoni. i'm not overly picky (but please no papa johns) if the craving is strong. if the craving does not need to be fed immediately than valentinos it is. oh and when i'm in buffalo in three weeks, it will be bocces, ordered in the bocce voice please.

image bocces

2. chocolate. now that halloween has passed this craving is very easy to fulfill. there are way too many women in my office who still care about their figures who are bringing in all their extra halloween candy. on a casual walk to the bathroom, i may pass three different bowls of chocolate goodness that will more than satisfy. today's scores include fun size m&ms, a handful of candy corn and fun sized-butterfinger.

image faithful provisions

3. cheese. i've been a cheese hound since my first port wine cheese ball circa 1982. often during the years 2003-2008, cheese was pretty much what i had for dinner with some sort of cracker of course. and then dutifully followed by chocolate, see number 2. i have come to restrain myself a bit with the cheese, still partaking most days, but only small morsels, not half a brick of extra sharp cheddar in one sitting. my favorites these days: tjs cinnamon toscano, extra creamy (yes, pasteurized) brie and lately i've been thinking about kraft slices. particularly in grilled cheese form.

image kraft

4. mexican. no, not taco bell. i know, i was a self-proclaimed taco bell addict a mere year ago, but alas no longer. maybe it was that first trimester nausea that changed me forever, but i still scream "change the channel!" every time a taco bell commercial comes on and shudder when we drive by an establishment. i. just. can't. partake. i am, however, craving mexican food on the regular. tacos, salsa on everything, enchiladas, burritos, i do not discriminate much beyond the bell. luckily there are many taco food trucks in area, as well as fine mexican establishments that keep my melted cheese, salsa and pork lovin' cravings in check. my favorites: takorean and taqueria nacional.

image takorean

5.  bison dip. i didn't even know i was craving this till my husband came home with the economy-sized container from wegmans and i housed it in about a week. bison dip is the best french onion dip in existence (and yes, i've had helluva good). of course amazing on kettle chips, the crunchiest and saltiest ones you can find. as well as triscuts, tofu, pizza, roast beef sandwiches, chicken wings and maybe straight out of the tub with a spoon.

image bison

what are you craving? pregnant or not, let me know, i'm very impressionable when it comes to cravings these days. clearly.