Merry Cheesecake

Cinnamon-Coffee Cheesecake and Lemon Zest Cheesecake

Chocolate-Hazelnut Cheesecake and Coconut-Lime Cheesecake

They'll look a lot better topped with whipped cream, doncha know?

Since the 9th is our 32nd anniversary and since my arm is on the mend and I can't knit, it occured to me that I could make a special treat for our celebratory dinner. I have had these mini-springform pans for a year and haven't gotten around to using them until now.

Amazingly and to my own surprise I had all the ingredients except the graham cracker crumbs for the base of the cakes. Thinking it's just cookie crumbs I decided to whip up a batch of almond shortbread and use that for a substitute.

Then I went online and searched for mini cheesecake recipes and found this one.

Hmm...flavorings. There are a few things we all have on hand, fresh lemons, chocolate sauce, hazelnut syrup for coffee, instant coffee granules, coconut and cinnamon, so I put those to use flavoring the individual cakes. I feel just like the Barefoot Contessa on the food channel, who is always making something nice for her darling husband when he comes home. Since Dave is working across the road, he actually does come home at the end of the day!

Coincidentally the Christmas party for the knitting guild is the same day, so I will be in town, very near the gourmet grocery, and I'll be bringing back something marvelous for our dinner, and some champagne to go with dessert.

One of my fave bloggers just lost her husband last week and it makes me realize how lucky I am to have mine right here. I am giving him extra squeezes every chance I get.

++++

Care for a bite?

Our pine trees at the end of the drive are decorated with these styrofoam apples, and they are falling off all the time from the windy conditions. Chum retrieved this one after a walkies and when my back was turned chewed it to pieces, all over the couch. He looks so innocent. Ha!