Annette's Input

Most people don’t want to have surgery but I’m a glutton for punishment--I really would like to get my knee fixed!  So…I’m watching the calories pretty faithfully but couldn’t miss out on our third annual National Cheesecake / Fix the World lunch. 

Luckily I was able to get the Low Carb Cheesecake and it hit the spot – not like Oreo Dream Cheesecake or Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake would have done – but a sweet spot nonetheless.  It had that nice creamy texture of cheesecake topped with fresh strawberries.  Best of all was the graham cracker crust – which in my opinion is the best part anyway.  Here’s to next year!

National Cheesecake Day is upon Us Once Again

The assignment?  Cheesecake Factory's newest creation:  The Lemon Meringue Cheesecake.

Lemon Cream Cheesecake Swirled with Lemon, Topped with Layers of Lemon Mascarpone Mousse and Housemade Meringue on a Vanilla Crumb Crust.

This light sensation did not disappoint.  It was not heavy at all, but it still had the rich, full flavor of a cheesecake.  Likewise, the lemon was light and citrus-tart, but without a hint of a squint (ya know, when it's too sour).

The only hesitations I had at all were the not-graham crust (which I LOVE) and the meringue--not my favorite.  This crust?  Well, it was VERY good, it didn't slow down my eating, and I wouldn't have given it a thought if I wasn't writing this blog.  :)  And since we exited the restaurant and entered the heat immediately upon receiving our desserts, the meringue on my pie melted.  It left some sweet gooey-ness on top of the cheesecake---Mmmm!  However, if you are big meringue fan, you'll want to keep this cheesecake cool until you eat it.

Usually I'm an all-chocolate girl, but with a need for something just a tiny bit lighter on my palette, this cheesecake was the perfect choice!

Should We Contact Weight Watchers?

Not yet.  I am waiting for the Cheesecake Diet.

If Jared of Subway Sandwiches can do it then we can too!

More Service to the World

Apparently The Cheesecake Factory was on-board with our (incredibly fantastic) idea to provide the world with cheesecake reviews, because they offered a Facebook (hooray for social media!) coupon for another day of half-price cheesecake.  This time -- after much serious discussion -- we agreed that a) none of us had cooties, and b) we would share three different cheesecakes so we could give our opinions to the world. 

You're welcome.

WHITE CHOCOLATE TRUFFLE CHEESECAKE:

-          It was like eating the most delicious shake

-          The raspberry flavor exploded in your mouth but was not overwhelming

-          Not too sweet, not to rich, just a perfect balance

-          Light & airy – like eating white chocolate clouds with a touch of raspberry

-          Even people who don’t care for white chocolate will love the light, creamy flavor of this cheesecake

GODIVA CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE:

-          Death by chocolate  - one bite and you have gone to heaven

-          Short, dark, handsome and rich!

-          The truffle center will make you want to cry

PECAN CARAMEL TURTLE CHEESECAKE:

-          The most wonderful caramel pecan flavor.

-          The pecans were chewy/crunchy, just lovely

-          Brownie crust adds just the right amount of chocolate, just perfect.

-          If you like pralines and cream you will love this!

OREO DREAM CHEESECAKE (yes, we have MORE comments after a full day of contemplation):

-          Hands down our favorite

-          One bite and you will be dreaming in Oreo’s. Your house will be an Oreo, your kids will be little Oreos, and you will love yourself more just by thinking of yourself covered in Oreos

-          The name says it all

-          The cheesecake Oreo center is not overwhelming but the perfect combination

-          We especially loved the giant Oreo cookie on top.  Next quest:  Find somewhere that we can buy a box of those giant Oreos!

Tried and True Technique

There is a strategy to eating a Cheesecake Factory slice, did you not know that?

So the first 3 or 4 bites must be taken back-to-back.  Then you take a drink of water to wash it down, then sit back and let your stomach savor the deliciousness.

Next you just eat the first layer in small bites, slowly savoring each heavenly morsel until you have reached the half-way mark.  Again take a small break:  1 or 2 minutes but no longer.

Then work on the bottom layer until you reach the half way mark of the top, and then another short break with water.

Now here is the big finish…….take 2 large bites, water, 2 large bites, and water, and 2 more large bites then water.  Continue gorging yourself until every last piece is devoured.

Then sit back and count your blessings and ask Heavenly Father to bless the person who invented cheesecake.

WARNING!! – This should only be done on a monthly basis.  Any more frequently and you are crossing the line to addiction!

A Service Project to the World

Yesterday was National Cheesecake Day.  I do not know who determined this, but I sincerely thank her (I'm pretty sure it must have been a 'her').

In honor of this auspicious holiday--and in appreciation for half-price desserts--we paid a visit to The Cheesecake Factory. Please note the irony of "The Gym" right above the restaurant.

Our choice?  The Oreo Dream Extreme, a new creation introduced on this special day.  Here is a "during" shot of this amazing dream of a dessert.

Reviews:

I'm in heaven . . .the Oreo Dream Extreme… is just that … a dreammmmm -- one of my new  favorites.

It’s SO DANG RICH

Every bite was lovely!!