Cheesecake Recipe

I blogged this back in the Spring since I always make cheesecake for Easter. This recipe has been in our family for many years and I'm the lucky one that gets to bake it each year. It's a little time-consuming, but worth every bite!

Have all ingredients at room temperature, especially the cream cheese.

For the crust, mix together 1 cup flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 2 oz. butter, 3 tablespoons sugar. Spread into a spring-form pan and press lightly, pressing some of the crust mix up the sides a 1/2 inch or so.

Preheat the oven to 325°. In a large mixing bowl, mix together 16 oz. cream cheese, 16 oz. ricotta cheese, and 1 1/2 cups sugar. Mix well, making sure there aren't lumps of cream cheese. Add 4 eggs, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1/2 cup melted butter, and 1 pint sour cream. Mix well and pour into prepared pan.

The directions say to bake 1 hour, but that is never long enough. My guess is that this is a recipe for a double batch and that you could make half of this recipe and bake it for an hour. I always bake mine longer, until it is done or at least almost set in the middle. There are different techniques to cheesecake if you want to read up on them. Some say to turn off the oven and let it cool completely in the oven. I bake mine until it's done and take it out to cool. It's no big deal to me whether or not it cracks...and it usually does. If you want it pretty, read up about it on Martha Stewart or on Food Network perhaps, or just spread berries or whipped cream all over the top. It tastes just the same.

I haven't tried this one, but if you're in the mood for a Pumpkin Cheesecake, this one has a gingersnap crust and sounds delicious.... Marbled Pumpkin Cheesecake. And, while you're there, pick up a copy of my favorite Pumpkin Roll recipe from Libby's (a Thanksgiving staple at our house). Enjoy!

Recovering

I haven't been able to come up with anything to blog about lately. It's been pretty crazy here at home. My husband finally had surgery to repair the damage from his accident (long story here). They put a titanium mesh shelf in to replace the orbital plate (what holds up the eye) and they also rebuilt his septum and have his sinuses packed. It was a very long day at UH Cleveland on Monday. Even though all I did was drive and wait, it really wiped me out. He is resting as comfortably as he can and will have to keep his bandages on until next week.

So, I've been trying to take it easy. I don't deal with stress very well. I either end up over-doing it and hurting my back with chores, or wiped out with a total lack of energy or creativity. These past few weeks have been a mixture of both I'd say.

I am trying to finish a sweater in time for Saturday's Fall Fashion Showcase on Etsy. Everyone has been bad-mouthing the showcases in the forums, but I like to schedule one once in awhile to showcase something new and exciting. Now I just have to finish it in time!

My garage sale stuff is pretty much organized. As soon as I can price everything, I'll open the doors and, hopefully sit around and crochet for a few days straight. You can look forward to some new recipes in the near future. Comfort food sounds in order.

Glow In The Dark Yarn

When my kids were little I crocheted slippers and used glow-in-the-dark fabric paint dots on the bottom to make them non-skid, or less slippery. It was fun, but at the time I was thinking how cool it would be to have glow-in-the-dark yarn.

Bernat has introduced Glow In The Dark yarns! What a fun embellishment yarn that will be. Of course I instantly think Halloween and spooky crafts. Think of all the other ideas for kids safety - backpacks, hats, mittens, bicycle gear, etc. I may have to make my husband a glow hat for commuting.

With the light pastel colors available from Bernat, handmade glow worm-type dolls will be all the rage!

Bernat's Glow In The Dark yarn is now available at some Michael's, Pat Catan's, or Hobby Lobby Stores. Here's a link to find some in your area... Find Glow In The Dark Yarn.