Our niece is expecting a new baby. Of course, ourwhole family is extremely excited. This is the first baby to join our family in a long time. You can guess my delight when she asked if I would host her baby shower. I quickly and enthusiastically began getting ready for this event: guest list, invitations, decorations, baby shower games. However, when I thought about what food to serve, I was stumped. Tired of the typical (and boring) cake and ice cream, I decided to serve something different...cheesecake.
Cheesecake is a favorite desert of our family's. Its distinctly sweet, yet tangy, flavor and light, creamy texture is a delightful taste sensation. We often crave cheesecake as a satisfying snack, as well, because of the different varieties from which to choose. New York style cheesecake can be topped with fruits of your choosing, making a refreshing and healthy option. Our family's favorite fruit toppings include juicy red raspberries, plump blueberries, or sweet peaches. Chocolate cheesecake is decadent enough to satisfy all chocolate cravings and makes a wonderfully rich choice. Key Lime cheesecake offers an extra tartness which cleanses the palate, creating a unique desert experience and leaving your mouth refreshed.
Cheesecake is very, very easy to serve. Simply slice into any shape and portion size and scoop onto the plate. It can be eaten with either a fork or spoon. My favorite utensil to use when eating cheesecake is a "spork"...you know...the spoon/fork combination. It is not messy, nor does it have many crumbs, so clean-up is a breeze. Cheesecake can be kept frozen until the time it is desired or it can be stored in the refrigerator for several days ahead of time; thus eliminating last-minute preparations.
Toppings and flavors for cheesecake are only as limited as your imagination. Fruits such as juicy strawberries, firm blueberries, or sweet peaches are wonderful toppings for cheesecake. They offer a healthy, flavorful addition to the tartness of cheesecake. Chocolate or caramel syrup drizzled over each cheesecake slice offers another tasty treat. Or, try raspberry jam swirled over the top.
For my wonderful niece's baby shower, I finally chose to serve turtle cheesecake. The combination of chocolate and caramel drizzled over each piece and topped with crushed nuts creates a delicious and memorable refreshment. To stay with the baby shower theme, I will decorate each slice with a miniature baby bottle or baby rattle, alternating them throughout the entire cheesecake, culminating in a festive treat for the eyes, too.
Laura Weaver is a free lance writer, who loves parties. She often serves
turtle cheesecake. She is also a proud aunt.
