Cooking with Ease: ‘Little treats’ for guilt-free moments of joy

Rockwall, TX (September 24, 2024) – If you ask me “Trick or Treat?” my answer is always easy: treat! While this phrase is synonymous with the current season, the term “little treats” has been trending for a while now. Surely you have noticed, especially if you’ve spent any time on social media. The idea behind this trend is simple yet impactful: indulging in small, everyday pleasures to lift your mood and well-being is important. Instead of waiting for special occasions, people are incorporating simple joys into their daily routines—whether it’s a favorite snack, a cozy coffee break, a stroll through nature, or buying a little something that sparks joy.

At its core, the “little treats” trend taps into mindfulness and self-care. It encourages us to find satisfaction in the present moment, even in the smallest gestures. It’s about balancing life’s pressures by savoring its tiny joys. Honestly, I’m all for it. Why did it take so long for this to catch on? It feels like exactly what we all need right now.

In many ways, “little treat” has replaced the concept of “guilty pleasure,” but with an important shift in perspective. While “guilty pleasure” suggests indulgence laced with shame, “little treat” removes the guilt altogether, framing it as a healthy, self-care-oriented choice. The message is clear: you deserve moments of joy without feeling bad about it. This trend encourages a positive, self-compassionate approach to everyday pleasures, aligning perfectly with the growing emphasis on mental wellness and balance—no guilt required.

So, what is the most common “little treat”? Coffee! Since these treats are meant to cause happiness and no stress, I wanted to share my favorite at-home coffee recipe. We know coffee is expensive, but we also know you need little treats. All ingredients can be found at your local grocer. This season, I hope you find some time to incorporate joy into your everyday. Maybe in the form of iced coffee.

Iced Caramel Latte

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cold coffee
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1-2 Tbsp caramel syrup
• whipped cream
• caramel sauce
• ice

Directions:

1. Fill glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour caramel syrup over ice.
3. Add milk to glass.
4. Slowly pour coffee over milk.
5. Top with whipped cream
6. Drizzle with caramel and enjoy!

Melissa Tate is a home cook and writer with a passion for hospitality, food gifts, and fine, locally-produced fare.Along with writing, cooking, and creating care packages, she helps her husband run their working horse and cattle ranch, Tate Farms here in Rockwall County. She is currently writing her first cookbook with a New York based literary agent. You can find more of her work at melissatatetx.com and on Instagram & Facebook at @melissatatetx.

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