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


RICH CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE

RICH CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE

1-1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
4-5 tablespoons margarine, melted
3/4 C + 1 T sugar divided
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 package (8 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
2 eggs
2 egg whites
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup sour cream
1/3 cup Dutch process cocoa
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup whipped topping
chocolate shavings, as garnish

  • Mix graham cracker crumbs, margarine, and 1 T sugar in 9-inch spring-form pan;
  • pat evenly on bottom and 1/2 inch up side of pan.
  • in large bowl beat cream cheese and remaining 5-1/2 teaspoons sugar until fluffy;
  • beat in eggs, egg whites, and cornstarch.
  • Beat in sour cream, cocoa, and vanilla, blending well; pour into crust.
  • Bake cheesecake at 300 degrees F. just until set in the center, 45 to 50 minutes.
  • Turn oven off and let cheesecake cool in oven with door ajar for 3 hours.
  • Refrigerate 8 hours or overnight.
  • Remove side of pan; place cheesecake on serving plate.
  • Spread whipped topping over top and garnish with chocolate shavings.