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


Hot Pepper Jelly Cheesecake

Hot Pepper Jelly Cheesecake
1/4 cup pine nuts
8 ounces cream cheese -- at room temperature
1 cup hot pepper jelly -- preferably red
2 cloves garlic -- finely minced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro -- chopped
5 ounces sharp cheddar cheese -- grated
sliced bread -- crackers

  • Preheat oven to 325F.
  • Place the pine nuts on a baking sheet and toast in the oven untilgolden, about 8 minutes. Set aside.
  • Place cream cheese, 1/2 cup of the jelly, garlic, cilantro andcheddar cheese in a food processor. Process until evenly blended.
  • Line the bottom of a 7-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
  • Spray the sides of the pan with nonstick spray.
  • Add the cheese mixture.
  • Refrigerate at least 2 hours.
  • Spread the remaining jelly evenly across the top surface and sprinkle the pine nuts on top.
  • The recipe can be completed to this point up to24 hours before serving.
  • To serve, carefully remove the sides of the pan. Transfer cheesecake to a serving plate.
  • Serve chilled with sliced bread, crackers or veggies.