Cheesecake and Fireworks!

Well, today's post is going to be a bit random.  I have a lot to post about today, so let's get started.  First, I am going to give you a cheesecake recipe.  I didn't have the limeade concentrate when it came time to prepare my scrumptious key lime cheesecake, so I made a quick change of plans and went with a fabulous cheesecake that I made for my dear friend, Susie on her birthday.  I took a picture of it (above) Thursday night and it was a hit.  This recipe originally came from Mary Lise, she made it for our engagement party.  Enjoy!

Crust:

1 cup sifted plain flour

1/4 cup sugar

1 tsp. grated lemon peel

1/2 cup butter

1 egg yolk lightly beaten

1/4 tsp. vanilla extract

Filling:

5 (8oz) packages cream cheese, softened

1/4 tsp. vanilla extract

3/4 tsp. grated lemon peel

1  3/4 cups sugar

3 Tbs. plain flour

1/4 tsp. salt

4 or 5 eggs (1 cup)

2 egg yolks

1/4 cup whipping cream, unwhipped

Glaze:

1 cup fresh strawberries, crushed

1 cup water 

1  1/2 Tbs. cornstarch

1/2 -3/4 cup sugar

2 cups fresh strawberries

preheat oven to 400 F.  Combine first 3 ingredients; cut in butter until mixture is crumbly; add egg yolks and vanilla; blend thoroughly.  Pat 1/3 of dough on the bottom of a 9 in. spring form pan (sides removed).  Bake 8 minutes, until golden brown; cool; attach sides; pat remaining dough on sides.  For filling, preheat oven to 450 F.  Beat cream cheese until creamy; add vanilla and lemon peel; mix next 3 ingredients; gradually blend into cheese.  Add eggs and yolks one at a time, beating after each addition; gently stir in cream; pour into pan; bake for 12 minutes.  Reduce heat to 300 F; bake for 55 minutes.  Remove from oven; cool 30 minutes.  Loosen sides; cool 1 hour; remove sides; cool 2 hours.  For glaze; combine 1 cup crushed berries and water; cook 2-3 minutes; sieve.  Mix cornstarch and sugar; stir into hot berry mixture; bring to a boil, stirring constantly until thick and clear; cool to room temperature.  Place remaining strawberries on top of cheesecake.  Pour glaze over and let run down sides.  Chill at least 8 hours.

~A few tidbits~

*Follow cooking directions to a T!

*You could try refrigerator cookie dough!?  I haven't, but it would cut out a lot of time in prep.

*I crush my 1 cup of strawberries with my hands.

*I might suggest increasing measurements for berry glaze, I didn't have enough to run down the sides, that would have been pretty.  

*I did slice fresh berries and arrange on top.

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Fourth Of July Celebration 

Country Club

Luke, Daniel (friend), Jacob (friend), and Benjamin

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A moment with Grandparents

Luke is sitting on Mo's shoulders (my dad), Benjamin is sitting with MaMo (my mom), David is sitting with Mama Sue (Ben's mom), and Pop (Ben's dad).

Luke was especially excited about this photo opportunity.

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We had a Great July 4th holiday!  I have had some requests for the Key Lime cheesecake recipe and will definitely post that for you.  I hope you have a wonderful day!  I am off to the grocery store.  Have a great day!  Don't just survive today, enjoy it.