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


Luscious White Chocolate Cheesecake

Luscious White Chocolate Cheesecake

1 1/2 C (18) crushed creme filled chocolate cookies
3 Tbsp. margarine, melted
3 -8 oz. packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
3 eggs
1/2 lb. white chocolate, melted

  • Combine crumbs and margarine.
  • Press into bottom of 9 in. springform pan.
  • Bake at 350 for 10 minutes.
  • Combine cream cheese, sugar and vanilla.
  • Mix at mediun speed until well blended.
  • Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  • Blend in white chocolate, mix well.
  • Pour over crust.
  • Bake at 350 for 40 minutes.
  • Chill before removing rim.
  • Garnish with apricot rose and some small leaves if desired.

To make apricot rose:

  • Place 6 dried apricot halves between 2 sheets of wax paper.
  • Roll flat with rolling pin.
  • Shape 1 apricot into a cone; arrange remaining apricots around cone to form rose.
  • Loosen outer apricots slightly to "open" rose.
  • Secure bottom of rose with wooden picks.
  • Freeze for 20 minutes.
  • Cut off bottom to form flat base.
  • Remove picks; brush rose with 2 tsp. corn syrup.