Sweet Endings!

Tomorrow we get to have our great-granddaughter, Lydia for the day. She turns two this month. She is our ray of sunshine, and haven’t we needed that this winter! I love this age. She loves books and to be read to. When I stop after a word, she fills in the word that comes next and just repeats everything that is said. When I put her down for a nap I ask her what she wants me to sing and she says “ Jesus”. Now a singer I’m not, but she doesn’t care, so we sing “Jesus loves me”. My list of songs I know isn’t too long, so she probably has them all memorized! I’m so glad we are able to look after her when needed. She gets so excited when I go to pick her up she says “ Nana, Nana” and runs to get her shoes, hat and mittens. She also loves to eat, and eats almost everything offered. A girl after my own heart!
Today I am sharing the first recipe for cheesecake that I made years ago. The recipe comes from the Fairmont AFS cookbook. It’s still my favorite cheesecake.
 
Amaretto Cheese Cake:
Crust:
1 stick melted butter
2 cups finely crushed vanilla wafers
1/4 cup sugar
Combine crust ingredients. Press mixture over bottom and up sides of an ungreased spring-form pan. Set aside.
 
Filling:
4 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 Tbsp. Amaretto Liqueur
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. almond extract
1/3 tsp. salt
4 large eggs
In a mixer combine cream cheese and sugar; beat for 2 minutes or until well mixed. Add liqueur, extracts and salt; blend thoroughly. Add eggs, one at a time, keeping mixer at lowest speed. Pour filling over crust. Bake in preheated oven 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes. Remove from oven and let set on countertop for 10 minutes while you prepare the topping.
 
Topping:
2 cups sour cream
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. almond extract
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted.


Combine topping ingredients and spread over filling. Sprinkle with almonds. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and place in refrigerator immediately. Let chill overnight before serving. Makes a large cake.


Have a great week, stay warm and safe!