Eat: 16 Handles
I love froyo. Anyone who knows me can confirm this statement, and I'm sure froyo has made its way into my blog once or twice. It's my special treat, my pick-me-up, my happiness in a cup. It's not the healthiest, most natural thing out there, but there are worse indulgences. Plus, treats can be part of a healthy diet, too. As Bob Harper explains in his new book The Skinny Rules (more to come!), splurges are an "ingredient in your diet. When you plan something, you are in control."
To stay FitFluential, I'll take this moment to remind you to eat your vegetables, try a SPINNING class, and write down a goal. =D
Now, back to my personalvice treat: oh, and for those of my readers who are not teens or twenty-somethings living in or near a city, "froyo" is frozen yogurt. Just wanted to make sure that was clear before we move on.
Read more for my favorites, taste-testing, fruit toppings, and the dare...
In New York City, my favorite frozen yogurt is far and away 16 Handles. Sure, I do very much like the tart varieties and shops as well, and have the plain tarts more frequently than flavors, but the endless self-serve options at 16 Handles--the variety of flavors, both the healthy and not-so-healthy toppings, the creaminess of the yogurt itself--all make it my first choice in all the city. Is it the healthiest or most natural? Not necessarily, but that isn't why I get froyo. If it were, I definitely wouldn't be scooping on some cookie dough topping, now would I?
Last Thursday, I had the pleasure of sampling flavors at the new 16 Handles opening on 8th avenue at 19th street. (See other existing locations here.) The coordinators and the staff were all extremely friendly and helpful, encouraging us to try as much as we like. For me, this was an exciting moment, because although I'm a fairly regular visitor (and have the loyalty stamp card to prove it), there are several flavors and toppings that I don't normally go out of my way to taste test. Now's my chance!
I tried their new flavor--Greek Honey--and fell in love. This is very much like the Greek yogurt bowls I like to make myself for dessert sometimes: yogurt, a drop of honey, and usually some mix-ins like walnuts or chocolate chips. In addition to that, I took my mini sampler cups and tried out other flavors, like some of the fruity ones I don't normally go for. I confirmed that some of the fruity-like ones are just not my taste, but others are right up my alley, like Graham Cracker, which was new to me. Still liked my tried and true tarts, vanillas, and chocolates.
Now, I'm not usually so indulgent when it comes to the flavors, but this was a special occasion so I was going all out. No Euro Tart or Vanilla Sky tonight. In the end, for the evening, I made myself a monstrous combination of not one, not two, but FOUR decadent flavors: Greek Honey, Chocolate Eruption, Birthday Cake, and Red Velvet.
Then, I did something new: selected toppings to match each yogurt flavor, and put those toppings only on those flavors. Interesting and successful!
Blueberries on Greek Honey,
Yogurt chips on Red Velvet,
Banana on Chocolate Eruption, and
Cookie dough on Birthday Cake.
These were matches made in heaven. I also went back after to taste the wet walnuts--YUM!!!!. They'll go VERY well on the Greek Honey next time.
Do you like frozen yogurt? What's your favorite store? flavor? topping?
Dare you to try 16 Handles if there's one near you. I also dare you to include some healthy toppings on whatever frozen yogurt or ice cream you get. Blueberries, Banana, Mango, Strawberries, Pineapple, Almonds, (non-wet) Walnuts, ... just a few of the healthier options out there. Give em a try. Don't be blinded by the M&Ms and chocolate chips.
To stay FitFluential, I'll take this moment to remind you to eat your vegetables, try a SPINNING class, and write down a goal. =D
Now, back to my personal
In New York City, my favorite frozen yogurt is far and away 16 Handles. Sure, I do very much like the tart varieties and shops as well, and have the plain tarts more frequently than flavors, but the endless self-serve options at 16 Handles--the variety of flavors, both the healthy and not-so-healthy toppings, the creaminess of the yogurt itself--all make it my first choice in all the city. Is it the healthiest or most natural? Not necessarily, but that isn't why I get froyo. If it were, I definitely wouldn't be scooping on some cookie dough topping, now would I?
Last Thursday, I had the pleasure of sampling flavors at the new 16 Handles opening on 8th avenue at 19th street. (See other existing locations here.) The coordinators and the staff were all extremely friendly and helpful, encouraging us to try as much as we like. For me, this was an exciting moment, because although I'm a fairly regular visitor (and have the loyalty stamp card to prove it), there are several flavors and toppings that I don't normally go out of my way to taste test. Now's my chance!
I tried their new flavor--Greek Honey--and fell in love. This is very much like the Greek yogurt bowls I like to make myself for dessert sometimes: yogurt, a drop of honey, and usually some mix-ins like walnuts or chocolate chips. In addition to that, I took my mini sampler cups and tried out other flavors, like some of the fruity ones I don't normally go for. I confirmed that some of the fruity-like ones are just not my taste, but others are right up my alley, like Graham Cracker, which was new to me. Still liked my tried and true tarts, vanillas, and chocolates.
Now, I'm not usually so indulgent when it comes to the flavors, but this was a special occasion so I was going all out. No Euro Tart or Vanilla Sky tonight. In the end, for the evening, I made myself a monstrous combination of not one, not two, but FOUR decadent flavors: Greek Honey, Chocolate Eruption, Birthday Cake, and Red Velvet.
Blueberries on Greek Honey,
Yogurt chips on Red Velvet,
Banana on Chocolate Eruption, and
Cookie dough on Birthday Cake.
These were matches made in heaven. I also went back after to taste the wet walnuts--YUM!!!!. They'll go VERY well on the Greek Honey next time.
Do you like frozen yogurt? What's your favorite store? flavor? topping?
Dare you to try 16 Handles if there's one near you. I also dare you to include some healthy toppings on whatever frozen yogurt or ice cream you get. Blueberries, Banana, Mango, Strawberries, Pineapple, Almonds, (non-wet) Walnuts, ... just a few of the healthier options out there. Give em a try. Don't be blinded by the M&Ms and chocolate chips.
Another happy customer!
