Sunday, June 27, 2010

Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake

Hi hi hi! It's been a whole weekend. Did you miss me? I bet you did. I've been away (as mentioned) but now I'm back in action! Aren't you excited to read about this:
I had a lovely weekend in New Jersey where I visited my boyfriend and two of my friends from Penn State. One was hosting a fundraiser/benefit for an organization called Empower the Children of which she worked for in India this year. It's a really really really cool organization... you should check it out.
 
Mary Ellen, Amanda (organizer), Myself and Zoey, empowering our lives away.

Anyway, before I spent time with the ladies I was in New Brunswick, where Alex is for the summer. He had to work all day (lame!) so I was left to my own devices. I knew that I wanted to bake cheesecake, but I had no pan. Hello K-Mart! Cha-Ching. Problem solved. I knew that he didn't have a mixer. Let me tell you, cheesecake is not the easiest dessert to make without a mixer. Endless churning, people. Endless.
The cabinets were bare apart from some hamburger helper, peanut butter jars and uncooked pasta. The drawers had no teaspoons or tablespoons in sight. This, my friends, was a challenge, and I was up for it.

After my trip to K-Mart and the Stop & Shop...and several trips around the roundabouts (I'm directionally challenged) I made it back to the little apartment, stocked with vanilla extract, cream cheese, and a mission.

I decided to do a pre-made crust, because well, I was trying not to spend too much money and I knew the boys wouldn't use an entire box of graham cracker crumbles, but everything else was done in that tiny little kitchen without measuring spoons. 

The recipe turned out wonderfully, and would you be mad if I told you I substituted 1 package of full-fat cream cheese out and traded it for a 1/3 less fat? I knew you wouldn't be! It doesn't have a hint of "light," people. Not a hint! And Alex had no clue, so I didn't tell him. Anyway, here's what went down.

What ya need:
1 (8 oz) package of full fat cream cheese, softened
1 (8 oz) package of reduced fat cream cheese, softened (I'm not responsible for results if you use fat free..yuck)
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
1 oreo pie crust 
1/4 cup raspberry pie filling (or raspberry preserves)
Container of Cool Whip (or your favorite whipped topping)
Fresh raspberries

What ya do:
Preheat your tiny little oven to 350. Beat (preferably not by hand!) the cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until well mixed. Add eggs and continue to mix until just blended.
Pour into crust and dot the batter with small spoonfuls of raspberry pie filling. Cut through batter with knife for professional marbled effect (take that, Cheesecake Factory!)
Bake for 40 minutes or until center is almost set. Cheesecake is tricky because it never looks done until it's too late...don't overbake it, please. Cool and refrigerate for several hours. When ready to serve, spread a layer of cool whip over top, and garnish with raspberries.

Store it in the fridge! Or eat it all at once, your choice! I'm a huge cheesecake fan and I'm loving how easy it is to make. Try this one for an easy but impressive dessert. You'll be glad you did.

Coming tomorrow is a delicious lasagna recipe. Take care!


9 comments:

Stephanie Petulla said...

This looks awesome, Jessie - and raspberries are my favorite! Can't wait to make it!

Alex said...

Maybe I knew it was light and just wanted to let you have your freedom in thinking you tricked me into eating your "healthy" food. Eh? what about that?

Rick said...

It looks really good! I should be studying right now but I would rather drool over this.

Unknown said...

Wow, this is a great recipe. Very classy looking but easy to make. I love cheesecake!

Christina said...

so pretty! i've never attempted cheesecake making. i'm 100% sure i'd make a mess and might overcook it. i'm the queen of that. it's either raw or burnt. hah. i totally burned my sweet potato waffle fries on friday night. don't worry, i still ate most of them.

Kate said...

You must have read my mind...i was going to make this cheesecake this week. Not the exact same, but still! It was a raspberry swirl cheesecake!
Looks yummy!!!

Drick said...

okay, now I get it....lame me... nice cheesecake....without any tools.....

Magic of Spice said...

Looks great!

Laura said...

This looks amazing!! I am loving your blog by the way. Stop by mine when you get a chance and happy cooking!!

Laura

My Food Blog:
http://culinarycravings.net