Cheesecake 101

{note: there is always prep work to baking anything and it's the same with a cheesecake. These are not completely necessary, but will make the 'work' a whole lot more fun! So without any further comments let'sgo...}

1. Find a recipe. optional

2. Grab a sister. recommended

3.Turn on some music. essential

4. Get started. obvious

 {And to tell the complete truth about this recipe, or the lack thereof, we decided to try some different things and so in this case several recipes were used}

Now onto the real thing.

-Oreo/graham cracker crust--my absolute favorite!

-grind/shred/break up graham crackers and oreo's 

- mix together and combine melted butter

{note: the recipes always add sugar to the crust, but hey, oreo's are sweet enough for me}

-mix together with melted butter

-press onto 9" spring-form pan 

{yes, I'm lucky enough to have the Pampered Chef spring-form pan--LOVE. And yes, you should all be jealous}

Wahla!! Done with the crust!

-add ingredients to a brownie mix (yep, we were lazy)

-stir

-sample a bit of brownie batter

{note: this utensil was washed and dried before being used again}

- beat up that softened cream cheese w/sugar

- add other specified ingredients i.e. eggs, sour cream, vanilla, cocoa powder

{note: add the eggs last and mix till just combined}

-cut up cooled brownies into small squares

-add small squared brownies to cheesecake batter

-pour batter over crust

-place pan in the oven

{note: yes, the pan is in a water bath--LOVE. Wrap the bottom of the pan in two sheets of aluminum foil, place in a pan like so, fill with about an inch with water and bake.}

-do not get overwhelmed with the dishes

{note: more energizing music is recommended here...but that's just me...}

-remove cheesecake from oven

{note: I always double guess myself when it comes to cheesecakes being done. So when in doubt remove it even if it looks slightly undone--the middle should be barely set and dull looking. They will 'set' after you pull it our--a moist cheesecake is always better than a dry one}

-let cool for about an hour and then refrigerate overnight 

-garnish with whatever you so desire

{note: chocolate sauce is NEVER a bad choice}

-Enjoy

{note: this is the best part}