How to Make Your Own Milk Chocolate Masterpieces for Valentine’s Day

What did you ask your sweetie to get you this Valentine’s Day? Diamonds? A romantic dinner for two? A massage? Since requests aren’t always granted (depending on the particular sweetie involved), you might want to brace yourself for a bar (okay, a box) of chocolates and a pat on the back. If you are lucky, your honey will honor you with a slice of Emeril Lagasse’s Milk Chocolate Cheesecake. If you are really lucky, you won’t have to make it yourself. Either way, the recipe is provided below along with the directions for mouthwatering milk chocolate cookies sealed with a … Continue reading →

Turning Leftover Halloween Candy into Culinary Masterpieces

It was a Halloween for the history books at my parent’s house this year. For the first time since they became homeowners (decades ago), my mom and dad had less than a dozen trick-or-treaters come to their door. The topic dominated our telephone conversation last night. My mom was in utter shock. She couldn’t figure out why the kids were not out in full force this year, but even more disturbing to my mom, was the dilemma of being stuck with five huge bags of Halloween candy. We bounced around a few ideas, including making the following recipes. I have … Continue reading →

Halloween Candy Cheesecakes

Whether you are looking for a sweet treat to serve up on Halloween or you are searching for a way to use up leftover Halloween candy (trick-or-treating starts today in my neck of the woods) you might consider checking out the following recipes. Both feature popular Halloween candy. The first recipe is one that is specifically designed for the stressed out cook, who is scrambling to find an easy no fuss dessert to bring to a Halloween party at the office, a neighbor’s house or school. You can make this Super Simple Snickers Cheesecake in less than 20 minutes (it … Continue reading →

Very Berry Cheesecake

The price of strawberries, blueberries and raspberries has gone up quite a bit at my local market. Last month the grocer had strawberries priced at $5 (for 2 pounds), but since my family went out to a local u-pick farm I saved a ton of cash by putting my preschooler to work in the fields (kidding). At the farm we paid just $1 a pound for fresh, plump, juicy berries and I still have a pint left in the freezer. This weekend I will be using the last of the berries in the following recipe. It is a standard cheesecake, … Continue reading →

Pistachio and Chocolate Oreo Cookie Cheesecake

Mother’s Day is just a few weeks away, but for some moms the holiday doesn’t guarantee a day off from cooking. When I was growing up my dad did most of the cooking (he loves creating new recipes) so having him whip up a Mother’s Day feast was nothing special. However, there was one thing he wouldn’t attempt in the kitchen regardless of how special the occasion—-BAKE. That’s where I came in. Being the only daughter in a family of six I learned how to bake at an early age. I might not be the world’s best baker; however I … Continue reading →

Frozen Peppermint Cheesecake

I love peppermint and of course, my darling spouse hates it. He was only too thrilled when they started making orange and cinnamon flavored toothpaste so that he never had to endure the minty taste of peppermint again. So as much as I hate to say it, this dessert will never grace my table. On the other hand, today marks the beginning of a massive, several days long, menu planning session that will include feeding a crowd of fifty, as well as a couple of potlucks and some other gatherings that require food. So if I want a taste of … Continue reading →

10 Tips for Baking the Perfect Cheesecake Every Time

Cheesecake is a phenomenally fantastic food that I think needs no introduction. Making a real cheesecake from scratch however, can be tricky. However, if you successfully make a cheesecake from scratch such that it’s texture, appearance and taste give your guests the impression that you are feeding them food for the gods; you have arrived as a chef. Here are my tips and hints for a perfect cheesecake! #1. Cooking your cheesecake in a water bath is essential for good texture. Put your spring form pan in no more than 1 inch of water. #2. Wrapping the spring form pan … Continue reading →

Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake—New York Style

Can we ever get enough cheesecake recipes? I think not. If you’re going low-cal, use low-calorie cream cheese. If you’re going low-carb, substitute Splenda for the sugar and omit the graham cracker crust. Or—throw caution and diets to the wind and indulge. For this recipe you’ll need: 1 cup graham cracker crumbs 3 TB granulated sugar 3 TB butter, melted 5 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened 1 cup granulated sugar 3 TB flour 1 TB vanilla extract 1 cup sour cream 4 eggs 1/3 cup seedless strawberry jam To make this recipe: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees … Continue reading →

Two Easy Cream Cheese Recipes

Who doesn’t love cream cheese? Have these recipes in hand the next time you go shopping. The savory recipe will get you through any last-minute get together with ease, and the sweet recipe will satisfy your taste buds for hours. Easy Oreo Cheesecake For this recipe you’ll need: 1 package Oreo Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, divided ¼ cup butter or margarine, melted 4 (8 ounce each) packages cream cheese, softened 1 cup sugar 1 tsp. vanilla 1 cup sour cream 4 eggs To make: Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Using a food processor, grind 30 Oreo’s until fine. Add the melted … Continue reading →

New York Style Cheesecake (Sugar Free/Low Carb)

Last week I posted some delicious low-carb cheesecake recipes. But today, I was given this recipe—it looks equally as delicious, and best of all, it takes less time and effort to make! Could there be better news than this? Now you can have your cheesecake and eat it too—and still have time to get a pedicure! For this recipe you’ll need: ¾ C Splenda brand sweetener 4 Packages Philly Neufchatel Cheese at room temperature (low fat, not non fat) 2 Scoops EAS 100% Whey Protein Powder, Vanilla 1 C Sour Cream (full fat) 4 Eggs 2 Packages Jello brand Sugar-Free … Continue reading →