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


CHOCOLATE ALMOND CHEESECAKE

CHOCOLATE ALMOND CHEESECAKE

1-1/2 cups chocolate wafer crumbs
1 cup slivered almonds, toasted and chopped
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
3 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup amaretto or other almond flavored liqueur
1 tsp almond extract
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 large eggs
1 (16 oz) carton sour cream
1 tbs sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted

  • Combine first 4 ingredients; firmly press onto bottom and 1 inch up sides of a 9-inch spring form pan.
  • Set aside.
  • Beat cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add 1 cup sugar, beating well.
  • Add liqueur, almond extract, and 1 tsp vanilla; beat well.
  • Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Pour into prepared crust.
  • Bake at 375 degrees F. for 50 minutes; remove from oven, and let stand 5 minutes (center will be soft).
  • Combine sour cream, 1 tbs sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla; spread evenly on cheesecake.
  • Bake at 500 degrees F. for 5 minutes.
  • Remove to a wire rack; let cool completely.
  • Cover and chill 8 hours.
  • Before serving, remove sides of pan, and press 1/2 cup slivered almonds around top edge of cheesecake.
  • 10 to 12 servings.