I have to keep delicious sweet things out of my house. Growing up in a house where Kix was considered sugar cereal, I was famous for inhaling entire sleeves of Chips Ahoy while mainlining MTV whenever I visited friends' houses. I had to take what I could get! As a result, I can't control myself around food. I try to keep the house stocked with fairly healthy stuff that won't tempt me into epic dessert binges.

This can be very depressing.

I've realized that small amounts of decadence mixed with healthier stuff can really satisfy when the urge takes over. And that's where the Greek Yogurt Sundae shines. This is definitely NOT a parfait. While I may suggest some fruits, or nuts, that could lead you to believe that I'm taking you down the breakfast route, I want to repeat, this is NOT a parfait. It's all about getting the satisfaction of a good ol' hot fudge sundae in a slightly more responsible way.

My friend Anastasia served us a version of the Greek Yogurt Sundae when she cooked us an amazing Bulgarian meal. Her version relied on walnuts, berries, and homemade Bulgarian grape jam. The walnuts made it really special - she used this special grinder to get the most finely shaved flakes. If you too have a special nut grinder, now is the time to break it out.

So many different countries create riffs on the Greek Yogurt Sundae. I'm just here to Americanize it, the Cold Stone way.

Greek Yogurt Sundaes

To plain Greek yogurt (I like Fage 0%) add:

Almond Joy: Chopped dark chocolate, coconut flakes, sliced almonds

The Miranda: Pomegranate, mango, vanilla-lime syrup and chopped macadamia nuts

Vanilla-Lime Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup water, 2/3 cup sugar, and the juice of a lime, plus half a vanilla bean. Cook until syrupy. Don't cook too long or else it will harden to a tooth-shattering caramel. Trust me on this one.

Peach Melba: Sliced peaches, raspberry jam and sliced pecans

Turkish Delight: Chopped pistachios, sour cherry jam or dried cherries and a drizzle of honey

Apple Pie: Saute peeled apples slices in a pat of butter and a dash of cinnamon; sprinkle sundae with chopped pecans or granola

S'mores: Crumbled graham crackers and chopped milk chocolate, plus mix vanilla extract mixed into yogurt. Go wild with a drizzle of Hershey's syrup

The Nantucket: Blueberries, blackberries and white chocolate plus a drizzle of raspberry jam

The Rocky Road: Mini marshmallows, chopped chocolate, Hershey's syrup and peanuts

The Crazy Monkey: Banana, Nutella and chopped hazelnuts

The Snickerdoodle: Speculoos and cinnamon

Obviously, the list goes on...

I have tried to make a Mocha version of this thing with no success. Could this be the challenge for you?