TWD Tall and Creamy Cheesecake

As I started this cheesecake I told my husband that I was hoping for something that was a "to die for" a "I have to make this again!" My other two recipes for TWD have been fine, but nothing we loved. My wish came true, we LOVED this cheesecake! We've enjoyed so many sweets this Christmas holiday that I worried this cheesecake would get little love and attention, but I was wrong. It's a hit!

As I read through the 'Playing Around' I was tempted to make many cheesecakes, the options are endless! I finally decided on a nice fresh orange cheesecake and it was perfect. The orange zest and extract were exactly what the cheesecake needed, without being too overpowering. I stuck with the graham cracker crust, but think a gingersnap crust would have been delicious. The recipe gave an option of using heavy cream or sour cream, and I went with the sour cream because my food budget for the month had already been tapped.

I love having a helper in the kitchen. Andrew is always willing to stir something up, taste test, and of course, make a mess!

As a note for my fellow impatient bakers, I followed the recipe pretty well, but tried to serve it before it had chilled for four hours and that was a mistake. It definitely needs all required chill time (don't we all).

This tall and creamy cheesecake is definitely a keeper! To check out the full recipe at Anne Strawberry's blog.

Lastly, I know some of you write brilliantly about your creations and some pictures are truly artistic. Someday I'll do that, but for now I'm feeling great to bake and post what I can. I love TWD and reading what everyone has done with their baking. My husband asked me today why I signed up for one more deadline when I've got three children under three demanding all of me. I reminded him of my love to bake, my love to create, and my love to eat! So, here's to making time for some action in the kitchen and some much-needed baking!