FIFTY SHADES OF CHEESECAKE

OK..so maybe it’s not really 50 shades of cheesecakes but I’m making 50 cheesecakes today in two scrumptious flavors!

As usual my lovely husband came in the door yesterday saying “Ummm honey can you make a couple cheesecakes for my lovely friend who is NOT paying for them!? Thanks you’re the best!!”

Me “Ummm really!? REALLY”

WHY DO MEN ALWAYS DO THIS!!! GRRRR!!

*OK happy thoughts, happy thoughts, breathe ooooosaahhhhh*

So now I’m up at 8 am *not a morning person* prepping my pans and ingredients. I decided to do a classic cherry and a spicy chocolate cheesecake with raspberries. I love making mini cheesecakes, because it keeps us * meaning my husband* from eating too big of a slice! Portion control is key around here, as we say in Trinidad, his eyes are bigger than his belly, and that means he tries to eat too much! 😀

What’s your favorite cheesecake flavor? Below I put the basic recipe I use, play with the flavors, try different extracts and crusts, you can make so many variations!

• 1 1⁄2 cups graham cracker crumbs(your preference) or 1 1⁄2 cups chocolate wafer crumbs (your preference) or 1 1⁄2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs (your preference)
• 1⁄4 cup sugar
• 1⁄4 cup butter, melted
• 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 (14 ounce) condensed milk
• 3 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
2. Line cupcake tin with cupcake papers (24).
3. Combine crumbs, sugar and butter; press equal portions onto bottom of cupcake papers.
4. In large mixing bowl beat cheese until fluffy.
5. Gradually beat in condensed milk until smooth.
6. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well.
7. Spoon equal amounts into prepared cups (about 3 tbl per cup).
8. Bake 20 minutes or until cakes spring back when touched lightly.
9. Cool and chill.
10. Garnish with fresh berries or sliced fruits; chocolate shavings; toasted coconut; or cake sprinkles for a festive look.

I am bringing these little beauties to Fiesta Friday! I am feeling better and ready to party with all the guests and the co-hosts this week are Effie @Food Daydreaming and Jhuls @The Not So Creative Cook.