About Me

I live in a small poke town within an hour of the California coast where there are more vineyards than people with my husband and three children and various pets. James Dean's tree is within walking distance and the James Brothers were also known to ride these hills. I was born to the son of Lutheran missionaries and the daughter of Catholic hypocrites. I'm a Zionist. I was born and raised in California where liberal ideas become gods, and conservative ideals are evil. Unfortunately, it's illegal to have morals in California. I'm one of the evil ones. I take my frustrations out on my houseplants, all 300+ of them.

Recipes & Procedures


Brownie Cheesecake Torte

Our maiden voyage is a very nice sounding cheesecake. The only change I'd make is omit the coffee and maybe the baby food.

Brownie Cheesecake Torte
Ingredients:
15 1/4 ounces fudge brownie mix (1 package)
2 teaspoons instant coffee granules
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
4 ounces carrot baby food (1 jar)
cooking spray
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons sugar
4 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 ounces neufchatel cheese, softened (block)
8 ounces cream cheese, softened (block)
2 large egg whites
3 tablespoons milk, divided
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
chocolate syrup
fresh raspberries


  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
  2. Combine first 4 ingredients in a bowl.
  3. Firmly press mixture into bottom and 1 inch up sides of a 9-inch spring form pan coated with cooking spray.
  4. Set aside. Combine 1/2 cup sugar, flour, vanilla, and cheeses; beat at medium speed of a mixer until well-blended.
  5. Add egg whites and 2 tablespoons milk; beat well.
  6. Combine 1/2 cup batter, 1 tablespoon milk, 2 tablespoons sugar, and cocoa in a small bowl; stir well.
  7. Spoon remaining batter alternately with cocoa mixture into prepared crust.
  8. Swirl together using the tip of a knife.
  9. Bake at 425 degrees for 10 minutes.
  10. Reduce oven temperature to 250 degrees; bake 45 minutes or until almost set.
  11. Cool completely on a wire rack.
  12. Garnish with chocolate syrup and fresh raspberries, if desired.

* note the recipe called for low/non fat ingredients, but if I'm going to eat cheesecake, I want the calories to make it worth while. :) *