OBSESSIONS

Pamper yourself with dark chocolate. This sweet stuff doesn’t hurt your calorie count and satisfies that much-needed chocolate fix. Rich in antioxidants, dark chocolate helps make the heart happy. Chocolate can be found with a wide range of cocoa content, so you can choose just how dark you like it. There are many different flavors and brands, and local grocery stores offer a variety of options. At Greens N’ Grains I bought a wonderful bar of Endangered Species Chocolate, with cranberries and almonds (72% Cocoa), 10% of net profits donated to help support species, habitat and humanity. So you can do some worldly good while you indulge. At Pick N’ Save, I bought a bar of Green & Blacks, Organic Dark Chocolate, balanced with crunchy hazelnuts and sweet currants (60% Cocoa).

– Brittany Jordt

Flight of the Conchords. I rented the television series Flight of the Conchords recently, and rediscovered how hilarious the New Zealand comedy duo are. The show, centered on two struggling musicians trying to make it in New York City, features deadpan, witty humor and ridiculous songs. For a preview, check them out on YouTube!

– Sally Slattery

What could be more addicting than root beer and ice cream? A root beer float of course! Unfortunately, not just any root beer can make a fabulous float. I have found Wilson’s homemade root beer not only tastes great but also makes a fantastic float. Whether you’re enjoying a day at the beach, some family time, an Evenings in Ephraim concert, or just need something refreshing to drink, stop by Wilson’s for a frosty root beer float. Or make your own at home by picking up a 1/2 gallon of root beer to go.

– Angela Sherman

The AUTHENTIC double-wrapped tacos at El Sazon, especially la lengua (chopped, braised tongue, which tasted like delicious pot roast) and el pastor (slow cooked pork). Nom!

– Nik Garvoille

Fresh strawberries! It’s hard to imagine anything better than fresh-picked, local strawberries this time of year. On cereal, over pancakes, with ice cream, in a salad or just plain…each delectable morsel is better than the previous. There’s really no comparison to the off-season varieties found at the grocery store. I’m definitely obsessed with this tasty treat from the farm.

– Allison Vroman

Ever since some family friends gave me Backyard Football as a birthday present when I was little, I have become perhaps too engrossed in the NFL. Backyard Football was soon replaced by Madden (and now Backbreaker), and soon I knew the name of almost every NFL player and coach. My editors were pleasantly shocked recently when I turned in my NFL Preview (coming in the Pulse August 13th) over a month early.

– Andrew Phillips

Is there anything you can’t stop thinking about, listening to, watching, eating, drinking? From a wild enthusiasm for Glee and those Snickers Betty White commercials to a 15-year cheddar you can’t stop eating, or a song you’ve got on repeat, obsessions are meant to be your of-the-moment fixation. Send them over to [email protected] with OBSESSION in the subject line.