Image by jillmotts via Flickr
You all remember the story of young George Washington chopping down a cherry tree? The story goes: His father asked him whether it was he who cut down the tree, and he said “I cannot tell a lie. I chopped down the cherry tree.” Whether the story is true or not, cherries have always been associated with Washington.
In memory of George Washington on his birthday the 22nd, let’s cook-up something special. Here is a recipe for miniature cherry cheesecakes, courtesy of Amy Houts in her children’s cookbook, Cooking Around the Calendar with Kids – Holiday and Seasonal Food and Fun.
These attractive cherry cheesecakes are quick and easy to make, and fun to do. Have your kids help you make them and celebrate Presidents Day with this cherry dessert.
Washington Miniature Cherry Cheesecakes
12 vanilla wafers
1 (8-oz.) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla
one-half can of 21 oz. lite cherry pie filling
12 foil or paper baking cups
To soften cream cheese, leave out of refrigerator about an hour before preparing recipe, or microwave for 2 minutes on defrost power.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Children can place paper-baking cups in muffin tin, and place one vanilla wafer in each, flat side up. Beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, lemon juice, and vanilla in a medium-sized bowl. Pour cream cheese mixture on top of vanilla wafer, filling about 3/4 full. (Don’t worry if some vanilla wafers float. The cherries will cover and decorate the top.) Bake for 15 minutes. Cool. Top with cherry pie filling. Refrigerate.
Makes: 12 miniature cheesecakes
Note: the remaining pie filling can be used to top pudding, pancakes, or as ice cream parfaits.
Celebrate the day for remembering presidents,
Lee Jackson, CFCS
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