3 Step Cheesecake

I can’t make enough of this cheesecake to fill my family.  I usually end up making two for each holiday get together.  The good thing is its really simple to make, and not very expensive.  This cheesecake is quite rich to me, but I’m not a big cheesecake fan.  I think I only eat one or two pieces in a year!  My family though…they’re addicted.

2 8oz pkgs Cream Cheese (can be regular, or light) softened.
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
1 graham cracker crust (6oz/9in)
Topping of choice - fresh fruit, frozen berries, syrup

1. Mix cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until well blended.  Add eggs, mix until blended and smooth.

2. Pour into crust.

3. Bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes, or until center is set.  Cool.  Refrigerate 3 hours or overnight, whichever is easier for you.  Can be eaten at room temperature if preferred.  Top with favorite topping or leave plain.  Makes about 8 servings.

Technorati Tags: Cheesecake,Baking,Dessert,Easy Cheescake

Nut Bread

Another favorite recipe.  Great for breakfast or just a snack.  Any kind of nut can be used, although I tend to use chopped walnuts, since I have an overabundance of them.  I normally give half the loaf to my parents, who love it as well.

Nut Bread
Adapted From Better Homes & Gardens Cookbook

Prep: 25 minutes
Bake: 50 minutes
Oven: 350 degrees
Makes: 1 loaf

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg, beaten
1 cup milk
1/4 cup cooking oil
1 cup chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts) -add more or less to taste.

Note: To bring out the flavor of the nuts, toast them prior to adding into the batter.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F). Grease an 8x4x2 inch loaf pan.  In a large bowl stir together dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, salt).  Make a well in center of mixture.  Set aside.

In a medium bowl combine the wet ingredients (egg, milk and oil).  Add wet mixture all at once to dry mixture.  Stir until just moistened.  Fold in nuts.  Spoon batter into prepared pan.

Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.  Cool in pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes.  Remove loaf from pan and cool completely.

Technorati Tags: Recipes,Breakfast Foods,Breads,Nut Bread,Baked Goods,Baking

Apple Crisp

This is one in demand recipe in my family.  My Dad for one is  addicted, I swear.  Very simple to make, and quick.  Perfect way to use up apples that are about to turn.  Just choose your favorite apples, cut them up, throw them in and done!  Recipe is easily doubled as well.  I often end up using more then the four to six apples called for, so don’t feel like you have to only use what the recipe says.

 

Apple Crisp

4-6 apples
1/4 cup Sugar

Cinnamon
1 cup Brown Sugar
1 cup Flour
1/2 cup Butter

Peel and cut apples.  Fill a square 8x8 pan 3/4 full.  Sprinkle with cinnamon and 1/4 cup sugar.  Mix together 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup butter with pie cutter or knife.  Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the apples and bake until the apples are cooked and it is brown on top at 375 degrees for approximately 30-35 minutes.

Technorati Tags: Dessert,Baked Goods,Apples,Apple Crisp