Dessert Recipes

My husband is going to be celebrating a milestone birthday soon.  I would like to commemorate this special event by having a surprise party for him. A quiet, composed man, he certainly would not appreciate a large affair. The list of invited guests will remain limited…our immediate family and a few of our closest friends.  Because my birthday boy has everything he could possibly need and since he would be extremely embarrassed by opening presents, I have asked everyone to bring a funny card for him and, if they wish, to make a donation to their favorite charity in honor of him.

I plan to host this surprise birthday party at our home.  We have a very roomy yard which is well suited to entertaining.  There is ample room for our parents and siblings to sit comfortably on the patio, as well as a nice grassy area for the younger children to cavort. Decorations will consist of strings of colored patio lights, which will also light up the area nicely.  Easy-listening music will be played on our outdoor CD player to create an ambience of serenity.

My husband is not a cake lover, so finding suitable birthday refreshments is always a troublesome matter.  In the past, we have had oatmeal cookies or vanilla ice cream with various fruit toppings.  One year, he was perfectly content with popsicles.  This year, I have decided to serve a gourmet turtle cheesecake.  The rich caramel and chocolate fudge combined with the distinctive tanginess and texture of cheesecake will be a special treat.  The sprinkling of salty pecans will certainly keep his taste buds satisfied.

Flash forward:  With all of the planning of this surprise birthday party accomplished, the day of this celebration finally arrived.  Mother Nature provided a gorgeous evening.  Our parents, siblings, children and friends were in our back yard, waiting to shout the customary “Surprise!”, as I led my husband outdoors to enjoy the delightful weather.  Cards were opened, read, laughed at, and passed around for all to enjoy.  “Happy Birthday” was sung as I presented the turtle cheesecake, complete with a few lit candles, to my husband.  As I predicted, my husband and our party guests thoroughly enjoyed this birthday cake substitute.

It was an evening of quiet, comfortable pleasure; full of stimulating conversation, light-hearted jokes, and treasured fellowship of close friends and family…exactly the kind of celebration that my husband appreciates.

When the party was finished and everyone had gone home, my thoughtful husband thanked me profusely for having the kind of party he truly could enjoy.  I asked him if he had any idea about this surprise.  He replied, “I kind of suspected something was going to happen”.  At least the exceptional turtle cheesecake was a surprise!

Some old friends came by unexpectedly not long ago. We had a good visit with them, remembering old times, catching up on current events, and discussing politics. As the evening progressed, I realized I should serve them refreshments. This would be a difficult task, as I haven’t been to the market recently and my supply of food was down to almost nothing. I surveyed the cupboard, trying to find a good choicebut couldn’t find anything appropriate. I refused to serve these dear people stale crackers, slightly moldy cheese, or overripe fruit. I quickly scanned the contents of my refrigerator and freezer. How lucky could I be? Wedged between the fish sticks and popsicles in my freezer was a wonderful option…cheesecake.

Cheesecake is a truly delightful treat, I like to keep a few around for just these sorts of occasions. It is so versatile, it freezes well, is easy to serve, and can be used for just about any occasion. Whether it is a sweet snack, a handy dessert, or a covered-dish item for pot-luck dinners, cheesecake is an unforgettable and appropriate choice. I’ve even been known to give cheesecake to others as gifts.

Cheesecake can be stored for several days in the refrigerator or frozen for months. It tastes as fresh as the day you purchase it. It thaws in just a few minutes, is easy to slice into serving portions and simple to serve. Its creamy texture makes it easy to swallow, as well.

Cheesecake boasts a flavorful originality all its own, with the perfect combination of tartness and sweetness. There are a number of varieties of cheesecake from which to choose, making each a exquisitively different dessert. Of these different varieties, fruit-topped cheesecake offers a healthy and colorful option. Consider juicy, red strawberries, firm blueberries, or sweet peaches ladled generously over a slice of New York cheesecake and feel your mouth delight in the complimentary flavors. For that extra-tart, exotic pleaser, try Key Lime cheesecake. Turtle cheesecake has that decadently rich taste that is truly scrumptious.

The cheesecake in my freezer just happened to be New York Style. This turned out to be the perfect choice for these particular friends, who are non-pretentious and very down-to-earth. I quickly placed the container on the counter to start thawing, started a pot of coffee and by the time it was finished brewing, the cheesecake was ready to slice and serve. What a delightful visit we had, conversing between mouthfuls of this deliciously refreshing treat.

Yes, cheesecake is a deliciously refreshing treat to serve in “spur of the moment” times like when friends unexpectedly stop by. In fact, all of our friends know I like to keep cheesecake on hand. I guess that it’s possible that our friends didn’t just “drop by”…maybe it was planned so they could enjoy some cheesecake…

Think back to the carefree films of the 1930s, forties or fifties.  Picture the social gathering that became the turning point of the movie’s romantic plot.  Men and women in formal attire converse only in clever banter and waltz with swirling grace.  In their hands, an elegant martini.  These days, we tend to entertain much more casually, even if we might still attempt clever dialogue.

Most of us don’t have friends with magnificent mansions; neither do we have the budgets that allow us to bring home many bottles of imported gin and tin after tin of beluga caviar.  Furthermore, we not as comfortable in tuxedos as in unbuttoned shirts. Specialty coffee and a luscious dessert may be more appropriate ingredients for the relaxed social evenings of our times.

Your neighborhood certainly has a local bakery that sells cheesecake, or you might explore a little farther from home to find something that all of your guest don’t already experience in their everyday lives.  You can have a selection of truly exquisite cheesecake delivered right to your home from across the country or a different part of your state.

Consider a selection of cheesecakes to meet the varied tastes of your guests.  You might want to include a turtle cheesecake for the people who enjoy a bit of chocolate in any dessert.  You can decorate with just a few shavings of dark chocolate, and all the people can pretend that they are eating a health food.

A key lime cheesecake, provides a welcome alternative for those of us who enjoy combining tart and sweet.  Think about a couple mint leaves as a garnish.

Don’t overlook those who are interested in splurging without sacrificing their dietary restrictions too much.  Magnificent sugar free, low carb cheesecakes are available with tastes and textures that can rival their traditional counterparts.  Add a couple berries or a thin slice of fresh pear. 

Create some labels for each of your alternatives, so your guests can can know their choices without having to ask.

Of course, you’ll want to include a robust decaf option.  In addition choose to present just one interestingly flavored coffee.  Add to that a bold roast from Jamaica or Columbia.

Keep the cream, non-fat milk and non-dairy creamer in an ice bath in a shallow, decorative bowl.  Throw in some cubed sugar with sterling silver tongs, for a decorative touch.

A gourmet evening such as this is the twenty-first century equivalent of the cocktail party.  Plus, you can be confident that your beloved guests will get home safely.

Adore chocolate? Enjoy cheesecake? Think rich chocolate cheesecake is the best one can do to get to the incomparable ideal of delicious? You’re not alone! I believe that there are many like you and me out there: “chocolate cheesecake lovers of the world, unite!” In honor of chocolate cheesecake and all of its lovers, I have collected the following list of the most important uses of chocolate cheesecake in everyday life.

1) Fun Days and Difficult Days

Chocolate cheesecake is undeniably the perfect conclusion for both good days and bad days. What better way to end a holiday get-together than with chocolate cheesecake? Whether celebrating with family or friends, whether the evening has gone without a hitch or full of holes, whether the main course was mouth-watering or stale, providing cheesecake at the end of the holiday meal assures you that all your guests will go home talking about what a fantastic and talented host you are!

2) Three Meals a Day

Anyone who was disciplined enough to let that last slice of chocolate cheesecake stay until morning knows just how splendid cheesecake is for breakfast. Cold cheesecake with milk is a perfect way to start off your day. Chocolate cheesecake is also an invaluable addition to any lunch menu. And little, I believe, needs to be said about the compliments cheesecake makes to even the least appetizing dinners! If you still haven’t had enough, try having some chocolate cheesecake for dessert, or even your midnight snack.

3) Monday, Friday, Whenever

Is it just me, or is that temptation for some chocolate cheesecake always around during the start of the week? And who can resist dipping in for some chocolate cheesecake at the end of a long, hard work week? Despite Monday and Friday’s tasty treats to look forward to, I often keep myself going through the week with a little slice here and there of, you guessed it, chocolate cheesecake.

Well there you have it, chocolate cheesecake lovers of the world, if this doesn’t make you feel a little better about your admirable affection for an equally admirable dessert, then consider this: you can get your cheesecake sugar-free (yes, even chocolate cheesecake)! Now you can enjoy all that cheesecake without worrying about what it will do to your hips Just look online for sugar free cheesecake sellers and have your daily regimen of cheesecake—guilt free!

When you decide to include a truly gourmet cheesecake as your dessert, be certain its look on the plate is as elegant as the dessert. A meal, especially at the end, should appeal to the visual sense as well. These are some suggestions, but, of course, you may add your own individual touches.

New York Style Cheesecake: This is what most people would think of as the basic, plain or “unflavored” cheesecake. Frankly, it is anything but unflavored! However, its flavor will adapt well to nearly all additions. Well, maybe not broccoli! I suggest that you should consider complimenting the rich flavor of this versatile cake by placing a healthy amount of hot caramel topping around the plate.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Place a a bit of whipped cream atop the cake. In the center of the whipped cream, place the largest, reddest strawberry you can find. Be certain to let the leaves on the berry.

Turtle Cheesecake: This cheesecake has a variety of flavors incorporated, so it’s a good idea not to try to add yet another one. Instead, place just a few flower petals around the platter to add to the appearance. Yellow petals particularly enhance the color of the cake.

Pumpkin Cheesecake, a holiday time favorite, is even creamier than the more traditional pumpkin pie. Cut a festive hole in some paper–holiday tree shaped or a star. Center the paper over the top of the slice. In the hole you’ve cut in the paper, gently sprinkle cinnamon.

Sugar Free Cheesecakes–no sugar added: No matter what the flavor of the dessert, a mint sprig atop the widest part of the cheesecake wedge, will dress it up delightfully without adding any additional sweetness.

The presentation is impacted not just by what’s on the plate but also the character of the plate, itself. Of course, your everyday dishes will serve your purpose. But the added storage space in modern kitchens permit many of us to have more creative alternatives. People have unique salsa and chip servers, instead of the old fashioned bowls. Why not choose plates that you use only for the special dessert celebrations?The appearance is affected not only by the contents of the dish but additionally by the nature of the platter, itself. Certainly, the small plates that are part of your china set will serve your purpose. But the additional storage areas in modern homes permit many of us to keep specialty plates. Many people have unique salsa and chip servers, instead of the old fashioned bowls. Why not get special serving pieces that you use for those spectacular dessert celebrations?

A gourmet cheesecake is certainly worth the price, even though it may not be a frequent part of your diet. Those times when you are about to splurge, party with your eyes in addition to your mouth!

I grew up a bit differently from most children.  You see, I actually liked some vegetables better than sweets.  I suspect that many of you mothers and fathers might be wishing that you had a perfect child like I was.  My preferences might have been tied to the fact that my mother kept me on baby foods until I was twenty-eight.  In retrospect, I realize that none of the [major babyinfant] food companies squeeze a pureed serving of a brownie into a little glass jar.

My candy consumption was also limited.  After I would come home from trick or treating every Halloween night, my mother would make me dump my goodies on the floor, where we would both seat ourselves, cross-legged.  We would sort them into three piles.  Into one of those piles would go everything that was made by the generous Mrs. Robertson.  Those went straight into the garbage, because Mom was sure that Mrs. Robertson let her fourteen cats walk all over the kitchen counters.  The second pile contained a couple of apples and a small box of raisins.  Those were deemed suitable for me.  I can’t say for certain what happened to the third grouping–the one that contained all the candy, the caramel apples and the popcorn balls.  My mother spirited those off to my parents bedroom, and I never saw them again.  My only tastes of candy came when I visited my one pair of grandparents.  (My other grandparents just read me Bible verses all day, and convince me that God was not particularly enthusiastic about any behavior of a typical child.)

In defense of my mother, I believe that this sort of behavior is taught in the top secret motherhood school.  I noticed that when my son was growing up, his mother hid all his candy after Halloween, too.  That was typically followed by a couple weeks of repeated, “Do I look fat to you?”  It didn’t take me long to realize that such a question demands a very rapid response; one should not even pause for a breath.

When I became a full fledged adult at the magical age of twenty-nine, I began to learn that applesauce, vegetables and meat in their natrual form do not really have the same texture.  I also discovered the wonders of dessert in the wonderful form of a gourmet cheesecake.  Well, I guess it really wasn’t gourmet.  It came from a discount food warehouse, in a flimsy box with a cellophane peep hole that revealed the only attractive portion of the product.  Remember that my taste buds had been accustomed to the miracle recipes of the baby food makers.  To me, the cheesecake was the definition of heaven.

Later in life, as I belatedly went through my experimental wild years, I learned that cheesecake could taste much less like cardboard than my first sample.  (Please don’t ask why I know how cardboard tastes.)  In addition, I discovered that cheesecake, the wonder food, actually comes in lots of different flavors.

Dessert is now my reason for living! The best way to top off a well balanced meal of two jars of meat, three jars of thoroughly squashed squash and a banana is with a turtle cheesecake.  But please don’t tell my mother; she’ll just take it from me.

The saddest part of this story is that I don’t even know how to make a cheesecake.  Please tell me if you have a good recipe.  Make sure that your recipe doesn’t require using either an oven or a whisk.  I do know how to use a blender, though, because I watched my mom prepare the Thanksgiving turkey one year.

Author’s Aside:  It’s possible I may have exaggerated just a bit here and there, but don’t mention it to my mom.  She doesn’t have a computer and thinks the Internet is a type of support stocking.  I don’t have to worry about her actually reading this.

Putting together a romantic dinner is not easy. You feel obligated to plan a flawless evening just to impress upon her how very much you care. No matter whether it’s Valentines Day, her birthday, or your anniversary, preparing a romantic dinner for your girlfriend is an intimate and personal way to show her how you feel. To be certain that your romantic meal is a hit and not a miss, abide by these simple and important tips.

It is very important to assure that your home is straightened and clean before your girlfriend arrives. Remember, there are not many turn-offs as instant as messiness. So make sure you hide your socks someplace out of sight! After your place is clean, you’ll have to get it set for your romantic evening. Setting the dinner table correctly is a necessary prerequisite to creating a romantic atmosphere. One of the best ways to set the table is with candles and flowers. Yes, the candle lit dinner is standard, but that is because it always works. Lay a table cloth on the table and then add some tall candles and a vase of her favorite flowers. If you don’t know which flowers she prefers, keep in mind that red roses rarely fail to delight.

It’s time to think about what to serve for the dinner itself.  Don’t worry about making her favorite food if it’s not within your expertise.  Cook her a dish that you know how to make well, and she will be happy that you catered to her.  (You might even sneak in a chef-prepared meal, if you’re feeling a bit sly.)  And just as significant as the meal, is the beverage you serve with it.  Perhaps one of the most romantic drinks out there is champagne.  Or you might select a good wine that enhances the meal that you’ve prepared.  If you don’t know where to begin when it comes to choosing the right wine or champagne, ask for help at the store.  Usually they have a good idea of which drinks are most appropriate for a particular occasion or meal.

And don’t forget the capping moment of your romantic dinner: the dessert. Ending the meal with a delicious dessert will ensure that the dinner will be truly unforgetable. Because dessert is such an important aspect to a successful romantic dinner, consider serving a delicious cheesecake. Cheesecake is both a romantic and elegant choice. Cheesecakes are available in a variety of flavors, so you can be sure to find one that she’ll like. And with so many online vendors of gourmet cheesecakes, finding and purchasing an elegant dessert is as easy as a click of the mouse. I love a gourmet turtle cheesecake, with its variety of flavors and aromas.

No matter the event, follows these easy steps for a flawless night. I promise you she’ll remember the attention to detail for a long time.

The popularity of cheesecake delivery continues to grow as witnessed by the fact that more and more people are forking out money to get the best cheesecakes delivered to them in their homes or even in their offices. No doubt, getting your cheesecakes delivered in your home or office entails spending a fair amount of money but it also means getting an opportunity to savor the best cheesecakes that are sure to delight the palette.

These cheesecakes come to you specially boxed which will ensure that the cheesecake does not lose its freshness. It also pays to attach a gift card or note to the shipment. In fact, gourmet cheesecake delivery is one of the best means to send a meaningful gift to family members, friends and also to business associates. Though people tend to think about gifting others with flowers and also with chocolates it would be foolish to overlook the benefits of gifting a freshly handmade cheesecake.

There are a lot of choices available in the type of cheesecake you can order including specialty cheesecakes, gourmet samplers as well as singe servings. We all know that the cheesecake makes for an ideal gift though before placing an order for cheesecake delivery it pays to take into account a few things. For one, it is necessary to ensure that you choose the cheesecake gift that matches the taste of the recipient and if you are unsure then it makes sense to choose an all-purpose cheesecake.

Typically, it pays to order a basic type of cheesecake that has been created out of a New York Style recipe and which comes replete with strawberry and raspberry. Otherwise, there are also more exotic options that are worth checking out as well including cheesecakes with white chocolate pistachio.

Remember also that some companies have minimum orders and that to ensure speedier delivery you may have to place the order before a certain time after which your order will be packaged and shipped via FedEx to ensure that you get your cheese the following day.

So, when checking out your order you will often have to inform the company as to when you want the cheesecake delivered. In case you fail to specify a date when you want the cheesecake delivered the shipment will be delayed. Many companies also do not ship on the weekends and if they do ship you will have to pay an extra cost.

Sometimes, the company may even ship your order on Saturdays - but for an additional charge. What’s more, the company also may not ship orders on Sundays though they may be willing to ship to far off places such as to Alaska and to Hawaii. Of course, to ship to Alaska and to Hawaii the company may charge you extra.

When you are first the steps to making a gourmet cheesecake it can feel difficult. You will need to start with a good recipe. This is the most important aspect of baking one. The ingredients must also be very fresh. You will notice that when you are looking through recipes that you have a choice between either a ricotta cheesecake or a cream cheesecake.  Rich turtle cheesecakes are generally made with cream cheese. This will make the cake much more dense and rich.

If you love turtle cheesecake recipes then you should look online for great recipes. There are so many variations of turtle cheesecake it can be hard to figure out which one to use. There are so many ingredients that can be used to make a good turtle cheesecake. Go by the following steps to make a great turtle cheesecake.

To make a turtle cheesecake you will need to go to the store and buy several ingredients. Get butter, graham cracker crumbs, cream cheese sugar, flour, salt, white vanilla, cocoa, cinnamon, whipped cream, egg yolks and eggs.

The best pan to use is a sprinform pan. This will make the cheesecake a lot easier to make. It will make it look a lot more professional, too.

You will then need to make a butterscotch sauce. Use evaporated milk, butter, brown sugar, cornstarch and pecan halves.

You need to make sure that you follow these simple rules. The first is to keep you ingredients at room temperature.

Once the turtle cheesecake comes out of the oven, use a knife and run it around the edge of the cake.

Cool cake to room temperature before you place it into the refrigerator.

Mix the ingredients on low so you do not overmix it.

Make the cheesecake after you buy all of the necessary ingredients. It will need to be baked for thirty minutes at 350 degrees and then bake for an hour and a half at 250 degrees. You will then need to place the milk, butter and brown sugar in a double boiler to start making the butterscotch topping. Stir these ingredients until they are thick. Add in the cornstarch and water. Cook for seven more minutes. Put in pecan halves after it has cooled and stir. When it is all made drizzle the mixture over the turtle cheesecake.

Once you have made the turtle cheesecake you may realize that it was a very difficult process. If you use the above instructions then it should make the process easier. After practice you will learn that it isn’t as hard as it seems.Many people order their cheesakes online, but now you know that it’s not as difficult as you first thought.  Of course, the online option is great if you want to ship a delicious treat to a loved one who is far away from you.

If you’re serving a gourmet cheesecakewith the meal, I endorse taking the extra step of considering the presentation of the cake. We get enjoyment from our food with our eyes, in addition to our taste buds. Always experiment, but here are a handful of ideas to get you started.

New York Style Cheesecake: This is what most people would think of as the basic, plain or “unflavored” cheesecake. Frankly, it is anything but unflavored! However, its flavor will adapt well to nearly all additions. Well, maybe not broccoli! I suggest that you should consider complimenting the rich flavor of this versatile cake by placing a healthy amount of hot caramel topping around the plate.

Blueberry Cheesecake: Purchase a high quality blueberry preserve. Stir in enough lemon juice to dilute the preserves so that it will come off a teaspoon on its own. Drizzle the diluted preserves in a zigzag pattern across the cake. The tartness of the lemon juice will provide a nice counterpoint to the sweet taste of the preserves and cake.

Gourmet Turtle Cheesecake: This cheesecake has a variety of flavors incorporated, so it’s best not to try to introduce a new one. Instead, place a few petals from small blooms around the platter to add to the presentation. Yellow petals particularly enhance the color of the dessert.

Pumpkin Cheesecake, a holiday time favorite, is even creamier than the more traditional pumpkin pie. Cut a festive hole in some paper–holiday tree shaped or a star. Center the paper over the top of the slice. In the hole you’ve cut in the paper, gently sprinkle cinnamon.

Sugar Free Cheesecakes–no sugar added: No matter what the flavor of the cheesecake, a mint sprig on top of the widest part of the dessert, will dress it up wonderfully without additional sugar.

The presentation is impacted not just by what’s on the plate but also the character of the plate, itself. Of course, your everyday dishes will serve your purpose. But the added storage space in modern kitchens permit many of us to have more creative alternatives. People have unique salsa and chip servers, instead of the old fashioned bowls. Why not choose plates that you use only for the special dessert celebrations?

Cheesecakes are a terrific–and somewhat expensive–addition to an exquisite meal or a casual barbeque. Dedicate a bit of time to accentuate the smooth texture of this marvelous dessert with your signature additions.