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


ORANGE POPPYSEED CHEESECAKE

ORANGE POPPYSEED CHEESECAKE
3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
3/4 cup almonds -- ground
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 cup butter or margarine -- melted
2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese -- softened
1 cup sugar
4 eggs
1 teaspoon grated orange peel
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 cup orange juice
3/4 cup whipping cream
2 tablespoons poppy seeds
2 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon grated orange rind
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons orange juice
2 tablespoons butter

  • Combine graham cracker crumbs, ground almonds, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1/4 cup melted butter; press mixture onto bottom and 1-1/2 inches up sides of a 9-inch springform pan.
  • Bake at 350 degrees F. for 8 minutes.
  • Cool.
  • In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar until very smooth.
  • Beat in eggs, one at a time, until just blended.
  • Beat in 1 teaspoon orange rind, 3 tablespoons flour, 1/4 cup orange juice, 3/4 cup whipping cream, and 2 tablespoons poppyseeds.
  • Pour into pan.
  • Bake at 450 degrees F. for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 250 degrees F. and continue baking 35 to 45 minutes or until center is just set.
  • Remove from oven and run a knife around the rim to prevent cracking.
  • Cool thoroughly at room temperature.
  • Chill overnight.
  • In a small saucepan, whisk 2 eggs until foamy.
  • Combine with 3/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon orange rind, 1 teaspoon lemon rind, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 2 tablespoons orange juice, and 2 tablespoons butter in saucepan.
  • Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth and thickened.
  • Cool.
  • Just before serving, spread evenly over cheesecake.
  • Garnish with poppyseeds, lemon or orange slices.
  • Yield: 12 servings.