by Angela on April 4, 2010
Want to create a great dessert which is sure to please? Consider cheesecake. Most people enjoy it, and cheesecake is easy to make.
Your next step is to find some cheesecake recipes.
Most cheesecake recipes have similar ingredients which include cream cheese, of course. Some of the recipes recommend a specific brand of cream cheese for the recipe, but most recipes for these great desserts call simply for cream cheese. Other common other ingredients include butter, sugar, graham crackers and vanilla or other flavoring. You probably already have most of these ingredients in your fridge and pantry.
Here are two great easy cheesecake recipes.
Easy Lemon Cheesecake: 15 minutes for preparation. The main ingredients are the cream cheese, and the rind and juice of a lemon.
Apple and Cinnamon Cheesecake: another recipe which takes just 15 minutes to prepare, and uses ingredients you’re sure to have on hand.
A note about the times: the 15 minutes is for preparation, the cakes take around three hours to set, so prepare them the day before your party.
Enjoy them. 
by Angela on March 30, 2010
Chocolate gifts are perfect for just about any occasion, especially for birthdays and anniversaries: There are items available for just about every taste and budget. Here are some tips to help you make the best choice.
1. Keep the recipient’s taste in mind. While most everyone likes chocolate, not everyone likes the same kind of chocolate. Some only like rich, dark European chocolate, while others prefer milk chocolate. Some people like those filled with liquors while others would rather have nuts or even just plain chocolate. Some like chocolate candies while for others, love means fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies.
2. Consider what you know about the person. For example, if this chocolate gift is for your anniversary, combine your gift with a photo album of your years together. If it’s for a birthday gift, and you know the recipient really needs a night off in front of the television, combine the chocolate with a comfy blanket and a DVD of a favorite program.
Likewise, if the recipient is a sports fan, why not wrap up some chocolate covered pretzels in a tin and slip in some tickets to the next big game? It would be like his or her own personal container of Cracker Jack with a very special prize.
If you or the recipient loves chocolate and love to cook, consider giving a chocolate cookbook along with a gift of chocolate eatables. (Offer to taste-test any new creations, of course.)
3. Don’t forget the wrapping. With chocolate gifts, presentation is everything. While you search, consider the appearance of the gift. If your budget only allows you to buy a candy bar from the grocery store, you should still be able to afford a big, fluffy bow and a sheet of pretty paper. Or, create your own wrapper: There are plenty of online resources to help you make your own.
4. Another way to make chocolate gifts really personal is to have them created especially for you. Did you know you can get candy-coated chocolate pieces personalized with your own message? Why not have some made with his or her initials and favorite color? Or have your initials and the anniversary date?
5. If it’s a milestone anniversary, don’t forget to include a reference it. For example, the 25th anniversary is the silver anniversary, so naturally you’d want to use silver paper or tuck in some silver coins. If it’s a milestone birthday, such as the 50th, wrap everything in black.
6. While there a plethora of chocolate gifts that are adult themed, use common sense if and when you give them. While your spouse would likely appreciate a gift of chocolate liquor or body paint along with some intimate apparel, it might not go over well if you present them in front of the in-laws or the children.
By the same token, there have been countless stories of gift-giving gone bad. So if you decide that on this birthday, you’re going to pop the question, make sure that the ring doesn’t get lost within the packaging only to be thrown or given away. Don’t leave until you know the ring has been received.
Choosing chocolate gifts is as much fun as giving them. You can’t really go wrong as it really is the thought that counts. Just be sure to be nearby when the gift is opened as the thanks you’ll receive will be well worth the effort.
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by Angela on March 28, 2010
Love grilled cheese? When you want a quick meal, nothing could be simpler.
This article Save These 15 Creative Grilled Cheese Recipes « Springpad Blog will set your mouth watering. For example:
“The Golden Gate Grilled
It’s like a Monte Cristo, grilled cheese style. Take your standard grilled cheese, throw in some fresh turkey and avocado, and deep fry the thing for a light parmesan crust. Recipe featured in Sunset Magazine.”
Yummy. Who says you can’t cook?
