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 SWIRL CHEESECAKE

BROWNIE SWIRL CHEESECAKE

8 ounces (1 pk) brownie mix
1/2 cup sugar
2 large eggs
16 ounces cream cheese -- softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup milk chocolate chips -- melted

  • Grease bottom of 9-inch spring form pan.
  • Prepare basic brownie mix as directed on package; pour batter evenly into spring form pan.
  • Bake at 350 degrees F. for 15 minutes.
  • Combine cream cheese, sugar and vanilla, mixing at medium speed on electric mixer until well blended.
  • Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  • Pour over brownie layer.
  • Spoon chocolate over cream cheese mixture, cut through cheese and chocolate mixture several times to achieve a marbled affect.
  • Bake at 350 degrees F., 35 minutes.
  • Loosen cake from rim of pan; cool before removing rim of pan.
  • Chill.
  • Garnish with whipped cream, if desired.

LEMONADE CHEESECAKE

LEMONADE CHEESECAKE
1 pkg. (8 oz.) Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened
1 tsp. Crystal Light Lemonade Flavor Soft Drink Mix
1/4 cup cold milk
1 tub (8 oz.) Whipped Topping, thawed
1 ready-to-use graham cracker crumb crust (6 oz. or 9 inch)

  • Beat cream cheese and drink mix in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended and smooth.
  • Gradually add milk, mixing until well blended.
  • Gently stir in whipped topping.
  • Spoon into crust.
  • Refrigerate 4 hours or until firm.
  • Garnish with fruit, if desired.