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


Santa Fe Cheesecake

Santa Fe Cheesecake

1 cup crushed tortilla chips
3 tablespoons butter, melted
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies, drained
1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
1 cup chopped sweet yellow pepper
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/3 cup chopped tomato

  • In a small bowl, combine tortilla chips and butter; press onto the bottom of a greased 9-in. springform pan.
  • Place on a baking sheet.
  • Bake at 325° for 15 minutes.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and eggs on low speed just until combined.
  • Stir in Monterey Jack cheese and chilies; pour over crust.
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes or until center is almost set.
  • Place pan on a wire rack. Spread sour cream over cheesecake.
  • Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool for 1 hour.
  • Refrigerate overnight.
  • Remove sides of pan just before serving.
  • Garnish with yellow pepper, onions and tomato.
  • Refrigerate leftovers.
  • Yield: 16-20 servings.