Let me describe Big Spoon Yogurt in five toppings: brownie, caramel, cookie dough, hot fudge, and apple pie filling goodness. Big Spoon gives dessert goers a creative and alternative way of getting their yum on.

Located in five different locations in the Sacramento area, Big Spoon takes something as plain as frozen yogurt and spices it up with 75 different toppings that can make your creation as original as you want it.

The best feature about Big Spoon is that you make your own creation – buffet style. With three different size cups to choose from, you can get as much or as little dessert as you want.

There are a variety of yogurt flavors from plain old vanilla to blueberry and pumpkin pie. Also, there are yogurts that are non-fat or sugar free for those watching their waistlines or those who may have to watch their sugar intake.

Once you have done the easy task of picking your yogurt flavor, the second step in making your creation is choosing your toppings. You can make it as plain or as involved as you want.

My favorite creation so far is a non-fat sugar free blueberry yogurt with cookie dough bites. This way I don’t feel too guilty about eating dessert, unlike my boyfriend, who goes all out when he creates his yogurt cup.

His creation begins with plain vanilla yogurt, then he adds apple pie filling, hot fudge and caramel sauces. After that he moves to the toppings, adding brownies, white chocolate chips and reese’s pieces, then tops it off with some marachino cherries. After piling on as little or as many toppings as you want, you move to the pay station.

Unlike normal ice cream shops where you pay one set price, at Big Spoon you pay by the ounce. This way you get what you are paying for. At only 39 cents per ounce, your creation is less expensive than Basket Robbins or TBCY and much tastier because you’re the one who created it.

All the locations are open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., making it a great stop for a late night snack or first date.

But buyers beware: just because you get non-fat or sugar free yogurt doesn’t mean that after you pile on all those toppings that the desert is still healthy for you. I suggest if you are watching your weight to get the smallest cup because sometimes it’s overwhelming after you see the delicious toppings staring back at you in the face. So no matter what your taste is, there will be something for you at Big Spoon.

For more information on Big Spoon and locations near you visit bigspoonyogurt.com.

Yasmine Bikul can be reached at [email protected]