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


Water Bath Cheesecake

Water Bath Cheesecake

5 1/2 ounces graham cracker crumbs (1/2 cup)
6 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon sugar
20 ounces cream cheese, softened
6 tablespoons sugar
3 eggs
3 egg yolks
1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
3/4 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla

  • Preheat oven to 350.
  • Line outside of a 9 inch springform pan with double layer of aluminum foil (to prevent leaks).
  • Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar and butter.
  • Press into bottom of the springform pan.
  • In large bowl, mix cream cheese and sugar.
  • Beat well.
  • Stir in eggs and egg yolks.
  • Stir in lemon juice and vanilla.
  • Pour cheese mixture over graham cracker crust.
  • Set springform pan in a large roasting pan.
  • Pour hot water into the roasting pan so it comes about halfway up the side of the springform pan.
  • Place in oven and bake for 50 minutes.
  • Mix sour cream, sugar and vanilla and spread over baked cheesecake.
  • Bake for 10 more minutes.
  • Remove from oven and cool.
  • Refrigerate until chilled.
  • Remove sides of springform pan.