7.13.2010

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake

"Life is a comedy for those who think... and a tragedy for those who feel." - Horace Walpole

Thinking and feeling are two things that I've been used to not combining. When I think, it's all mental, and I make sure to think it all through and do the best I can. When feeling, it's all in the heart. My heart just takes over, and it leads me to doing things I never thought I'd be able to do, such as going on a 6-hour solo bus trip throughout Colombia to see a certain someone. Just so you know, I've never even ridden the public bus here in Miami, so taking a bus to Orlando, which would be about 3 hours, was always out of the question. Now, let's analyze my little Colombian journey. The mental analysis would end up in a giant conclusion of "Wow, you were stupid." Why? Even though I'm Colombian, I don't even look it. I look 1000% American; blame it on my Spanish heritage that's somewhere down the line. I'm super fair-skinned, have green eyes that are always changing hues, and am naturally a blonde but whenever I dye it dark, it always goes red for some reason. So, riding a bus from a town to Medellin, then hopping on the metro to end up on another bus which would take me on a 4-hour trip, all while looking like a tourist, isn't the smartest thing to do in Colombia. Another reason why it was a stupid move was because the destination wasn't in the best place. Yes, it was gorgeous and super relaxing, BUT it was located in a part of the country where guerrilla are known to roam.

The emotional analysis would end up in a conclusion of "Awwww, of course you should've done what you did." See, this person and I met last year while I was in Colombia. We talked and talked throughout the year while I was here in the States, until I finally flew back this year. It was a totally modern version of Romeo and Juliet, except without the finale. We would travel back and forth to see each other, without caring about anything. This whole thing just wrapped me up, and I ended up like a love-sick puppy. The bestest memories of my life are now in thanks to this adventure, and I know that when I'm older, and maybe with grandkids, MAYBE, I can possibly share my adventures in a "The Notebook" kind of way. What would be a good accompaniment to this story? Anything chocolate, especially in the form of a cheesecake.

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake
adapted from: Nestlé Best-Loved Recipes

makes 12 to 14 servings

Ingredients:
CRUST
1 1/2 cups crushed chocolate sandwich cookies
1 tbsp salted butter, melted
1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
12 oz Nestlé Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Mini Morsels, divided

FILLING
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 tbsp unbleached all-purpose flour
3/4 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup sour cream

Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 300F.
2) Combine cookie crumbs and butters in medium bowl until moistened; press onto bottom of ungreased 9-inch springform pan. Sprinkle with 1 cup morsels.
3) Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until smooth. Beat in eggs and flour. Gradually beat in evaporated milk and sour cream. Pour over crust. Sprinkle with remaining morsels.
4) Bake for 25 minutes. Cover loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for additional 30 to 40 minutes or until edge is set but center still moves slightly. Place in refrigerator immediately; refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm. Remove side of springform pan.

5 comments:

  1. I should NOT be looking at this stuff first thing in the morning. Now, Im wanting cheesecake for breakfast! Looks delicous!

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  2. Yum!!! I love cheesecake!! I totally agree with JillyAn..

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  3. JillyAn: I felt the same way when I saw this recipe in NBLR =P

    Ambika's Kitchen: Hahahaha, this one is just so good and creamy. Truly a keeper.

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  4. This decadent and delicious looking chocolate chip cheesecake will fix anything...even an aching heart. :)

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