Yesterday was my birthday which means quite a bit to most people, but for me, most of my life, it’s just been a day.  Last night before we called it a night, my husband asked if I’d had a good one, and of course I said yes, because it was a pleasant and relaxing.  The sun was out early, and a strong breeze had the trees rustling early in the morning, which is unusual.  It was beautiful outside.

My youngest son is back in school, so the house was more quiet than it normally is. I was able to settle in and pay bills (w00000000000000t!), give myself a facial (not as big a deal as one might think and something I do about once every other week), and treat myself to some time with my alter ego in reflection of what I think is important in life.  Sounds like a good day to me.

My husband and I are the oldest in our families, and although we’re very different people, we both agree that we aren’t the hooplah type of people when it comes to birthdays — our own, that is.  Mine obviously falls at the start of school, so most of my life, I was so preoccupied with that, it overshadowed becoming another year older and the day just came and went.  And really, I’ve never cared.  Sure I’ve had birthday cakes, and yes, candles.  I didn’t say people didn’t celebrate for me!  But I’ve never enjoyed the attention, having to learn to not be embarrassed about it all.

My mother made a cheesecake for my birthday for many years.  She knew it was a favorite, and still is.  So it seemed a good thing to share a couple of new recipes with you just in case you need another one — or two!  Both are very easy, and travel well.  Actually, they were chosen for that reason since I recently was asked by a good friend if I’d mind making dessert for a large barbeque she was hosting.

Cheesecake for 50?  Sure.  No problem…

Continue reading Cheesecake Two Ways: Easy and Delicious