Here is my annual Halloween Honey Caramel Apple post, this year with some new pictures. I know, enough with the honey caramel, but I just couldn’t resist one more time. Caramel apples are one of my favorites and Daughter asked me to send some caramel for her and friends after …
Easter Egg Cake Balls This is one of my older, but favorites so I’m reposting one of my favorites for Easter. These were a big hit and I’m sure I’ll be making them again this year! Although I don’t quite get it as I guess I’m just not that much …
Here is a repost for Halloween, the best time for caramel apples! I know, enough with the honey caramel, but I just couldn’t resist one more time. Caramel apples are one of my favorites and Daughter asked me to send some caramel for her and friends after seeing the …
Easter Egg Cake Balls Since I’ve been quite busy lately, I’m taking advantage of timing and reposting one of my favorites for Easter. These were a big hit and I’m sure I’ll be making them again this year! Although I don’t quite get it as I guess I’m just not …
The birthdays just keep coming. This time my friend’s son who is fond of chocolate cake pops. I tried sending over white chocolate/strawberry cake ones once and they just didn’t make the grade (a polite thanks but next time could you make all chocolate) so we’re back to chocolate. I …
I admit I’ve neglected my blog. Between lots of visitors over the holidays and my realization that all that baking was having a really bad effect on the family’s collective waistlines I decided to take a little break. I have had a recent fascination with making bread, especially sourdough which …
This is a simple way to use those wonderful fresh fruits. I had some excellent white peaches, soft and really juicy, and great raspberries recently so for a dinner with friends I made this wonderful tart. I did manage to destroy it on the trip over and ended up with …
Dark Cherry Cheesecake with Chocolate ChipsFresh Dark Cherry Cheesecake with Chocolate Chips
Since yesterday was National Cheesecake Day, and cheesecake is a big family favorite around here, another cheesecake it was. I had a big container of really nice dark cherries and of course, chocolate goes with anything so I had to throw some of that in. I used my favorite cheesecake recipe modified a little and cut down some since my healthy eating plan for the year has already suffered from a significant lack of participation. The original recipe from The Joy of Cheesecake (my very favorite cookbook) says it makes a 10″ cake, but I always have enough left to make that and another small one so I cut the recipe down and it is just right for an 8″ springform. Printable Recipe Fresh Dark Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake with Chocolate Chips
Crust:
I made a very simple crust using crushed white chocolate peanut butter cookies (son’s favorite so I had some around). You can use graham crackers or any other crust you like. If I’d had them, I’d probably have used crushed Oreo’s. I very rarely make an “official crust” with the butter etc. patted in nicely but instead usually just crush up some cookies, cracker’s or nuts and sprinkle on the bottom of the (vegetable sprayed) pan in a light layer.
Cheesecake filling:
Ingredients (all should be at room temperature):
1 1/4 pounds cream cheese
1 1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 egg yolk
3 large eggs
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 cup chocolate chips
Procedure:
Pre-heat the oven to 475 degrees.
In a large bowl (or the mixer bowl) beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy, add the sugar and flour and mix until smooth.
Mix in the yolk and eggs one at a time until mixed thoroughly.
Stir in the cream and mix slightly, just until incorporated.
Place the chocolate chips on top of the crust and pour the cheesecake mixture over them. Bake at 475 for 12 minutes, then lower the temperature in the oven to 200 degrees and bake for about 45 minutes or until the top is set but still jiggles slightly in the middle. Start checking at 30 minutes.
Cheesecake Topping
4 cups of fresh pitted cherries sliced in half
1 tablespoon corn starch
1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons water
In a small bowl mix together the corn starch, lemon juice and water until smooth. Place cherries in a saucepan over medium heat, add the liquid and bring to a boil. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Cool while the cheesecake bakes, and when the cheesecake has cooled, the topping can be spooned on the entire cake, or on the individual slices when they are served.
I always have left over cranberry sauce and never know what to do with it. Due to my preference for sweets and distinct lack of interest in turkey (or any other kind) of sandwiches that only use a teaspoon or two at a time anyway, it is always a challenge …
Our Daring Cooks’ December 2011 hostess is Sara from Belly Rumbles! Sara chose awesome Char Sui Bao as our challenge, where we made the buns, Char Sui, and filling from scratch – delicious! This challenge was a resounding success receiving the highest award from the taste testers at each step …