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


APPLE CHEESECAKE

APPLE CHEESECAKE
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup margarine or butter
1 tablespoon shortening
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
4 cups peeled, cored, and sliced cooking apples (Granny Smith or Golden Delicious)
2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1/3 cup sugar

  • In a medium mixing bowl beat the 1/3 cup sugar, margarine or butter, shortening, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla on medium speed of an electric mixer until combined.
  • Blend in flour and salt until crumbly.
  • Pat onto the bottom of a 9-inch spring-form pan.
  • Set aside.
  • Place apple slices in a single layer in a shallow baking pan.
  • Cover with foil.
  • Bake in a 400 degree F oven for 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, for filling, in a large mixing bowl beat the cream cheese, the 1/2 cup sugar, and the 1/2 teaspoon vanilla with an electric mixer until fluffy.
  • Add the eggs, beating on low speed just until combined.
  • Pour into dough-lined pan.
  • Arrange warm apple slices atop filling.
  • Combine the 1/3 cup sugar and the cinnamon.
  • Sprinkle filling with sugar mixture and the almonds.
  • Bake in a 400 degree F oven for 40 minutes or until golden and filling is set; cool.
  • Remove sides and place cheesecake on a serving plate.
  • Cover; chill 4 to 24 hours before serving.
  • Makes 12 servings.