The Irony of It All

I am asked quite often how I can make cheesecake and not gain alot of weight.  I have to tell you I do have a sweet tooth, but not for cheesecake.  I don't really care for it.  Ironic isn't it?  Let me show how I got into making cheesecakes.

A friend had a Pampered Chef party and I bought the spring form pan because I wanted the bundt pan insert!! To this day, I have yet to use the bundt pan insert!! Irony!!  We were visiting family in Chicago and having cheesecake for dessert.  Other than the fact that I don't care for it, I knew that I could make it better than this so-called famous restaurant. It was dense and heavy in texture and on your stomach.  My husband asked if I could make a better cheesecake and the challenge was on.

I did what I always do when I am posed with a challenge. I googled cheesecake. Google is my "Go-To Woman." Oh My!!!!!  There were so many recipe options I wasn't sure where to start, but I went to a tried and true recipe site. From there, my recipe was born. I have tweaked it over the years and developed something that people have asked for and are willing to pay for.  My cheesecakes are light and tend to melt in your mouth....not like the one from that restaurant in Chicago. Below are some pictures of the cheesecake I made this weekend.  It is very reminiscent of one of my favorite candy bars, Mounds.  Dark Chocolate and coconut.  Now, that makes the cheesecake a little more irresistible. Mmmm!

I am very willing to share my passion and love of baking of cheesecakes, cakes and other things.  I also love to cook.  Look for recipes and tips on the blog for savory things too. I grew up watching my mom bake the traditional Southern pound cake every Saturday morning.  Every time I bake a pound cake, I think of her, smile, and sometimes shed a tear because she is no longer here with me.  I learned how to cook from her, too.  Well, some of it. I don't think she was adventurous as me in trying new and different things.  I look forward to sharing my love of baking and cooking with you.

Make every bite memorable!

New Territory

I love to shop for just about anything, but if you want to get specific-Naughty Monkey Shoes, clothes, bling, and shoes.  I don't have to buy it.  Sometimes it makes me feel good just to try it on and then put it back. Or on nights I can't sleep I troll the internet on such sites as Amazon or Buckle and create wishlists.  I have this wonderfully amazing husband who surprises me with SHOES. But, let me get to the real reason here.

With all of that, you would think that I would love to grocery shop. Oh, how I detest it and I am fortunate that my husband does most of the grocery shopping for us.  I know that I am lucky and I count my blessing each and every day that he will go grocery shopping. I make a list and he gets it.

Well, I am still in the recipe testing phase for some of my cheesecakes.  I was asked about making a vegan cheesecake. Then, another friend upped the ante adding gluten-free/dairy/free. Uh, ok. I don't back down from a challenge.  I asked questions and I did my research.  There was a time in my life where I flirted with the vegan lifestyle, so I knew a little.  I had to do a little more digging with the gluten-free and dairy free products.

I came up with a recipe and was armed with my list of ingredients.  Short List!! I knew that I was not going to find these at my grocery store and I didn't want to frustrate my husband, so I headed to the local Healthy Home Market.  Anyone remember that dream you had in high school where you were naked in the middle of the classroom and everyone is pointing and staring?  Oh, I was so out of place.  This trip was not for the faint of heart.  I found what I needed after asking for help.

These are some of the ingredients that I used for the gluten/free; dairy/free; vegan approved cheesecake. Please note that not all of the ingredients are photographed because I don't want to give away my recipe.

After all was mixed and prepped--- yes, I stuck my finger in it and tasted it.  I was pleasantly surprised. It was light, very creamy, and had a pleasant lemon flavor. Please note the crack in the top came from me trying to slide it on to the board. I pushed up to far in the middle!  Check out the cutie: 

I have 2 taste testers lined up and looking for one more. I had one, but she hasn't contacted me back.  I will try her one more time tomorrow.  If you know of anyone with these food allergies, let me know.  The taste test is on me!!

Thanks to all of those who have "liked" 'Little Kelly Cakes' on Facebook.

Remember, make every mouthful a memorable one!

Starting Out

I have talked about this for awhile and have made a few cheesecakes for money, but if I really want this to work as a homebased business, I need to get my name out there.  What better way than the internet and thank you Shannon for recommending Blogger--I can show you guys what I have to offer and make and it's free for me.

My business name is Little Kelly Cakes and I offer small and large cheesecakes.  I am still developing the menu, but contact me if you have any questions.  My motto is "There is ALWAYS room for dessert...my cheesecake!."

I will be adding more to the blog, but I wanted to get it up and running to share the news with you all.

Here are a couple of pictures of 10 inch Toasted Coconut I made for a special homecoming this weekend:

I also made a 6 inch Plain and 6 inch Pumpkin for a birthday celebration.  Check these out:

 Plain

 Plain

 Pumpkin

 Pumkin

I love to bake and all of these recipes are mine.  Some of the recipes I started with belonged to someone else but I changed them and I have made the recipe my own.  My cheesecakes are very light in texture and not as calorie ladden as you may think.  I will answer any questions, but I won't give away my secret.  Keep posted about the taste testing party to come!!

Make every mouthful a memorable one!