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


Kalamata Olive Cheesecake

Kalamata Olive Cheesecake

1 1/4 cups Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
1/2 cup very finely chopped pecans
1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, softened1
(8-ounce) carton sour cream
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 large egg1 egg yolk
1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced or chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
Garnishes: fresh rosemary sprigs, kalamata olives

  • Combine first 3 ingredients; stir well.
  • Press crumb mixture firmly into a lightly greased, foil-lined 9" square pan.
  • Bake at 350° for 12 minutes.
  • Set aside to cool.
  • Beat cream cheese, sour cream, flour, and seasonings at medium speed of an electric mixer until smooth.
  • Add egg and egg yolk, one at a time, beating just until blended.
  • Stir in sliced olives and chopped rosemary; pour filling into baked crust.
  • Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or just until firm.
  • Cool to room temperature on a wire rack.
  • Cover and chill.
  • To serve, lift foil out of pan, and cut cheesecake into squares.