Wednesday, May 26, 2010

The Ultimate Cheesecake

I was inspired to try this recipe from Barefoot Contessa (I have all her cookbooks)because one of our son-in-laws (Jason) LOVES cheesecake. He's such a super good guy and we love him. . . .and he deserves it.
This puppy is reeeeeaaalllyy good. I'm talking crazy good. It's much lighter than most cheesecakes and just simply yummy.
Enjoy!!!

Barefoot Contessa Raspberry Cheesecake
Ingredients
For the crust:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (10 crackers)
1 tablespoon sugar
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
2 1/2 pounds cream cheese, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups sugar
5 whole extra-large eggs, at room temperature
2 extra-large egg yolks, at room temperature
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest (2 lemons)
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
For the topping:
nocoupons
1 cup red jelly (not jam), such as currant, raspberry, or strawberry
3 half-pints fresh raspberries
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

To make the crust, combine the graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter until moistened. Pour into a 9-inch springform pan. With your hands, press the crumbs into the bottom of the pan and about 1-inch up the sides. Bake for 8 minutes. Cool to room temperature.

Raise the oven temperature to 450 degrees F.

To make the filling, cream the cream cheese and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Reduce the speed of the mixer to medium and add the eggs and egg yolks, 2 at a time, mixing well. Scrape down the bowl and beater, as necessary. With the mixer on low, add the sour cream, lemon zest, and vanilla. Mix thoroughly and pour into the cooled crust.

Bake for 15 minutes. Turn the oven temperature down to 225 degrees F and bake for another 1 hour and 15 minutes. Turn the oven off and open the door wide. The cake will not be completely set in the center. Allow the cake to sit in the oven with the door open for 30 minutes. Take the cake out of the oven and allow it to sit at room temperature for another 2 to 3 hours, until completely cooled. Wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Remove the cake from the springform pan by carefully running a hot knife around the outside of the cake. Leave the cake on the bottom of the springform pan for serving.

To make the topping, melt the jelly in a small pan over low heat. In a bowl, toss the raspberries and the warm jelly gently until well mixed. Arrange the berries on top of the cake. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Note: Measure your springform pan. The bottom of mine measures 9 inches, but it says 9 1/2. I put the springform pan on a sheet pan before putting it in the oven to catch any leaks.

Monday, May 24, 2010

It's Show-N-Tell Time.

Thought I'd share my super fun weekend with my blog peeps. This is Katie--one of my cute nieces--Pete's daughter--on her wedding day. . . .
In this beautiful temple. . . . .


The spring flowers were unbelievable. . . . .
This is Pete's family. Quite a good looking group.


Katie and Shelton coming out of the temple.


Six of the Magnificent Seven. . . (not to worry, just count Jim twice). . .and our cute mom.

Me with Jim and Marlene.

Pete and Mom. Such a happy day.

Thanks so much for all the helpers that took care of Cris so I could be with my family. There's always a bittersweetness to such events. Fun to go. . .hard to leave my sweetheart. . . you know the drill.








Wednesday, May 19, 2010

UPDATED VERSION Uncle Visor weighs in on music. Listen up!!!

When I was given an Ipod some time ago, a niece (who shall remain nameless) wondered if my play list would include things such as the Black Eyed Peas. At this point I am writing a short blog to explain what's on my ipod and how my seasoning and maturity have influenced my choices. BTW thanks to all those who have given me itunes gift cards to build my play list.

I have a number of tunes by Chris Botti, an outstanding jazz trumpeter. I also have quite a few things by Peter White and Russ Freeman, smooth jazz guitarists. Another guitarist that I like a lot is Jack Jezzro. Of course, I like many songs from the 50's and 60's such as "The Long and Winding Road" and "Here There and Everywhere", both Beatles songs. I also listen to standards on piano or guitar. Beegie Adair has done many of these very well. On piano I also like David Benoit for jazz.

Nancy Lamott is a great vocalist. Many of her songs have a melancholy tone, possibly because she had terminal cancer which cut short her career. Check her out. Eliane Elias does a great job on jazz vocals as well.

I make no apologies for my taste in music Landeelu. As you mature, you will no doubt gain full appreciation for some of these artists. My music career started at the age of 6 when I began accordion lessons (my mother forced me). I conducted our class choir in the 6th grade. I studied trombone for 3 years in junior high and I have sung in church choirs repeatedly. Impeccable credentials.

Over and out,
UV

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Charlie making cookies



Ingredients? He ALMOST said "bacon". The kid loves bacon.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Just in case you forgot how cute he is. . . . .

Graham is two weeks old and his cuteness increases daily. He's such a good chubba bubba and everyone loves him.
Guess who loves ice cream. . . . . . Summers's a comin'.


Monday, May 10, 2010

Grammy's Graham and other fun people.

Owen is sooooo excited to have a brother "bro". Check it out.

And look at Auntie Em's first conversation with Graham.

Papa loves fat baby cheeks.
Uncle Nick with Bubba.
Tasha and Bella meet their new cousin.

The Oregon group on Mother's Day.
And I quote, "And on the 8th Day God gave us In-n-out" Kevin took Luke and Seth to Palo Alto for the National Rugby games.


And last but not least. . . . .Luke's campaign slogan. (He's running for class secretary)
CLASSIC!!! Loved it.






Monday, May 3, 2010

Grandchild #14!!!!

We are so excited to welcome "Graham Larkin" 10 lbs. 7 oz. 21" long. This is not a typo. He is very chunky and super cute.

Proud Daddy checking him out. Check out those thighs, shoulders, 14" head. Becca did such a great job and after a day and a half finally agreed to a C-Section. No cone-head, no bruising--just so perfect!!

Mommy loves him so much.

Papa's fist visit with Graham. He thought he was uber-cute.


Auntie Em was a super cheerleader through the whole thing and was the official photographer. I'm sure her post is gonna be great.

P.S. He smells divine!!