Creamy Peanut Butter Cheesecake

It's a rare occasion indeed when I make something this rich and decadent, but I do enjoy cheesecake occasionally and I happen to adore peanut butter, and when you put the two ideas together, it's a heavenly combination. What I especially like about this cheesecake is how well it all comes together and also, while it is incredibly rich, it isn't actually sickeningly sweet as are many cakes that can be had from bakeries and grocery stores. Be warned, you really only need a small slice and you may want to wait awhile after you've had dinner in order to enjoy the full goodness of this dessert. I might add that it really happens to be good for you if you don't overindulge as it is full of protein and one wouldn't even need feel guilty if served up for breakfast.

I've adapted this recipe from The Cheesecake Bible: 300 Sweet and Savory Recipes for Cakes and More by George by Geary . There is a reason it's named the cheesecake bible. This book is packed with temptations, including a few color photo sections interspersed throughout the book, and pretty much any type of cheesecake recipe you could imagine is featured in this volume. There are recipes for iconic creations to more unusual inspired ones. Berries, citrus, fruits, chocolate, nuts — there is just no end to the ideas. And I suppose this is why this is the second edition which was released to introduce even more ideas than the preceding edition.

Consider cheesecake breakfasts, bars, pies, smaller cakes and even savory cheesecakes which are covered in a short intriguing chapter that can be served as appetizers or even as a meal. There are even cheesecakes that are vegan and gluten-free, and also some no-bake cakes. There are invaluable tips and short discussions regarding methods, tools and suggestions to help you come up with your own stunning and luscious cheesecakes right in your own kitchen, just like a professional. Each recipe is also accompanied by specific tips and often ideas for substitutions and variations. Of course, this volume includes recipes to make your cookies and crumbs for a base, and toppings, syrups and sauces to adorn your creations. If cheesecake is your passion, this book has you covered, from cover to cover.

I wanted to try so many of the ideas in this book, but finally decided on a creamy peanut butter cake because I am especially smitten with the delicious goodness of peanut butter. I combined two recipes from the book. I made a pecan crust from a recipe for a three nut cheesecake, and then followed the instructions for this peanut butter cheesecake with some further adaptations. I cut down on the sugar somewhat and used coconut palm sugar rather than granulated sugar.

A copy of the first edition already adorned the dessert section of my extensive cookbook collection but when I was offered a copy of the second edition to browse, I could not resist. Peanut butter fanatic that I am, this is the first recipe I tried but I can hardly resist trying one of the ideas for a savory ones soon. That will be in my near future I am sure.

Other cheesecake recipes to enjoy from Lisa's Kitchen:

Ancient Roman Cheesecake

No-Bake Lemon Cherry Cheesecake

Blueberry Ricotta Cheesecake

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Ricotta Cheesecake with Mixed Berries and Balsamic Vinegar

Vegan Chocolate-Coconut Butter Fudge with Dried Cherries - No-Bake

I'm continually in search of thoughts for home made treats to indulge my occasional yearning for some thing sweet. I recall myself more of a savory girl than a candy one, but I admit there are times whilst my thoughts is fed on with the concept of chocolate ? In particular if it occurs to be accurate for you too. That's a bonus, as every now and then my yearning is extra than occasional and seeing that my obsession with basically uncooked goodies has grown, there is no scarcity of thoughts.

Making home made fudge no longer simplest gives you the possibility to manipulate the quantity of sugar and the fine of substances that goes into your creations, this rich and creamy fudge takes place to be ridiculously clean to make too ? No baking required. It lasts a long time in the refrigerator if you are capable of control your cravings to a single piece of fudge an afternoon. But even if you eat an extra piece, there is not anything to sense horrific about munching on some bites of this decadent tasting fudge. It's made with masses of good excellent coconut butter, cacao or cocoa powder, and actual maple syrup. The addition of dried cherries is absolutely non-compulsory, but I revel in the feel and moderate tart flavour the cherries contributed to the fudge.

But the special ingredient in this healthy fudge is BulletProof Brain Octane oil . The medium chain triglyceride (MCT) or medium chain fatty acid types of fats extracted from coconut oil in Brain Octane oil are proven to be more quickly absorbed by the body than other fats, providing quick energy and a boost to sharper the brain. It also stays liquid at room temperature, making it great for adding to smoothies or refrigerated treats like this one — or even to coffee as many people do for a really good jolt of energy. But beware that many other brands marketed as MCTs are really only medium-long chain fats that don't provide the same benefits.

Other healthy fudge recipes to revel in from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen:

Raw Peanut and Coconut Butter Fudge

Cocoa Nut Butter No-Bake Fudge

No-Bake Coconut Oil Fudge

Raw Peanut Butter Fudge

No-Bake Peanut Butter and Cocoa Fudge

Creamy Chickpea Flour Peanut Butter Maple Fudge

On the top of the studying stack: Smashed, Mashed, Boiled, and Baked--and Fried, Too!: A Celebration of Potatoes in seventy five Irresistible Recipes with the aid of Raghavan Iyer

Audio Accompaniment: Nights of Nine Vigils - by way of Dvdub / Brock Van Wey

Crispy Potato Wedges in a Spanish Chili Tomato Sauce (Patatas Bravas)

If asked to choose a favorite vegetable, I do believe potatoes would be high on the list of many people's preferences. For me, I find them especially satisfying during the cold winter months when more substantial food is often preferred. What I especially like about potatoes is their versatility. There are so many ways to prepare and showcase them. Appetizers and little bites, soups and salads, mains, sides and even in desserts. The title of Raghavan Iyer's most recent book celebrating the mighty spud as it is enjoyed throughout the world certainly has it right - Smashed, Mashed, Boiled, and Baked--and Fried, Too! .

Patatas Bravas is a Spanish side dish, or small plate that may be a popular function of tapas eating places round the sector. It's best served warm so the potatoes preserve their crispness while smothered with the silky, highly spiced and particularly smoky sauce. The vinegar provides a tartness to the zesty tomatoes in conjunction with the heat from the chilies. Personally, sometimes I experience a whole tapas-style meal presenting small plates, however this makes a lovable aspect to fill out a meal.

I've fried the potatoes, but they may also be roasted if favored. Either way, this is a popular dish for a cause.

Other potato dishes to revel in from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen:

Potato Patties Stuffed with Spiced Green Peas (Aloo Matar Tikki)

Quinoa Potato Patties

Scalloped Potatoes with Best-Ever Mushroom Sauce

Aloo Gobi (Curried Cauliflower and Potatoes)

On the top of the reading stack: Lavender & Lovage: A culinary notebook of memories & recipes from home & abroad by Karen Burn-Booth

Quick and Easy Lemon Urad Dal

Sometimes of all the legumes that I have stocked in my pantry, I crave split dals. I recognize the substance they upload to combined dal dishes and soups. Those times when I feel like a brothy soup, I occasionally upload only some small handfuls to fill out a soup with more protein and substance. And then there are particular dishes that certainly highlight the distinct character of person break up dal, in order that they shine within the dish rather than mostly serving as a backdrop.

This lemon urad dal is a super example.

Creamy break up urad asserts its presence, with tart undertones from the lemon juice and tomato, and dances with the tantalizing warmth of the tarka spices. By adjusting the liquid aspect, you can make it as soupy or as thick as you want. When it's made truly drier, scoop over a few warm basmati rice, or enjoy as a bowl of soup for a lovable starter or accompaniment to a bigger meal. It's additionally a lovely lunch in case you fancy a light noon meal.

The outstanding simplicity of this dish now not best lies in the ease of guidance however additionally the entire revel in of taking part in a bowl of creamy urad dal. Easy on the digestive gadget, it's miles particularly nourishing and flavorful and pretty satisfying too. Minimalism at it's finest.

Other easy dal dishes to enjoy from Lisa's Kitchen:

Red Lentil and Moong Dal

Toor Dal and Spinach Curry (Toor Dal Palak)

Toor Dal Pumpkin Soup

Urad Dal with Toor Dal and Spinach and Parsley

On the top of the reading stack: Lavender & Lovage: A culinary notebook of memories & recipes from home & abroad

Tahini Freezer Fudge {Vegan}

Fancy some wealthy dark chocolate fudge that takes place to be appropriate for you? And it truly is made with tahini for a sweet sesame flavor besides? And which also happens to be exceptionally clean to make?

If you're like me, the solutions are possibly sure, yes and sure! Needing best four ingredients, a saucepan and a timber spoon, this fudge comes together in hardly ever any time in any respect. With the tahini it tastes like a darkish chocolate halva or, as my husband says, the pleasant chocolate bar you may ever eat. The most effective disadvantage to this fudge is this is highly addictive, but virtually one small piece or two will satisfy almost everyone's chocolate cravings.

Other recipes providing tahini to experience from Lisa's Kitchen:

Mini Tahini Cups with a Creamy Coffee Date Filling

Greek Sesame Tahini Cake with Spelt and Mixed Dried Fruits

Mesopotamian Barley, Chickpea, Lentil and Tahini Soup

Eggplant in a Tahini Mustard Sauce

Potato Salad with a Harissa-Style Dressing

Potato salads are popular year spherical. This harissa-style potato salad is one so as to especially enchantment to spice lovers. If you already know you may be eating with fellow spice fiends and family over the holidays, or simply want to shake up the potluck or beautify your meals any time of yr, then this salad if just the thing. It fills out any number of dinners, and as it is African in starting place, it does work especially properly whilst served as a part of an African themed meal.

Harissa is a staple condiment that is extensively utilized in North African and Middle Eastern cuisines and sincerely a staple factor in many pantries around the world. As it is simple to make and continues in a well-sealed jar for lots months, I pick the home made variations, such as the only featured right here on Lisa's Kitchen. The major functions of harissa are hot chilies, fragrant spices, sometimes garlic and bell peppers. Olive oil poured over pinnacle of the harissa in a nicely-sealed jar has a reasonably long shelf life.

For this salad, you don't want to have harissa on hand even though due to the fact you're making up simply the proper amount for the salad. If you do occur to have harissa on hand, you may use that as opposed to making up your personal pepper paste, however I located making it up right away for this salad delivered a nice refreshing contact with minimal effort.

This salad may be organized ahead of time and ignored to serve at room temperature. In reality, letting it sit permits the flavors a risk to combo. If you do use your very own harissa, how tons you operate relies upon on warm your harissa is. I could advocate approximately half of tablespoon - you may also need to add some teaspoons of lime juice to the quantity of pre-made harissa you make a decision to apply.

Other potato salads to revel in from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen:

Indian-Style Potato and Pea Salad with Tamarind and Chat Masala

Skillet Potato Salad with Fresh Basil and Cilantro

Herbed Potato and Green Bean Salad with Olives

Creamy Potato Salad with Cashew Dressing and Fresh Basil

Deiss Kitchenware Giveaway

It's been some time considering the fact that I've presented my readers a thank you with a giveaway. This time, in collaboration with Deiss Kitchenware, I am doing a vacation giveaway. Deiss Kitchenware had been kind enough to provide me a few samples to attempt for myself, and high-quality of thinking about my readers, a hazard so as to try some of their quality offerings to your very own kitchen.

A properly pro cook dinner is often a nicely stocked cook, and if you're like me, similarly to lots of staple meals and cookware, I appear to have an overstuffed drawer with all kinds of kitchen gadgets and utensils. Here is your risk to update your used kitchenware with these vibrant new ones. And in case you don't have already got those objects, I've absolute confidence you will locate them beneficial, reliable and of the best high-quality.

This is what my readers may have a hazard to win:

Deiss ART 5-Piece Nylon Utensil Set, a Deiss PRO Lemon Zester & Cheese Grater and Deiss ART Silicone Collapsible Funnel Set - Rounded & Squared Foldable Funnels

Three winners will win all three of these handsome offerings, so long as they reside in Canada or the US. Keep reading to see how to enter.

As an avid cook that values a quality product, I can personally attest that Deiss makes very reliable and durable kitchen helpers that are of professional quality but very reasonably priced. In particular, I already own the Deiss lemon zester and cheese grater, a firm grip vegetable peeler and also an apple corer and slicer set. Solidly made, they do the job like a charm. When I acquired these items a few years back, I tossed my not-so-great equivalents away, pretty much right away!

I think the one I was most satisfied with was the zester and grater, and as one of the offerings for this giveaway is this fantastic tool, I'm glad to say you'll be impressed by its efficiency in getting the job done. It is sharp, but it comes with a cover so that you don't cut yourself if you happen to be digging around the drawer to fetch it. It's also a breeze to clean. Before I had the Deiss zester and grater, I had pretty much given up on getting one that actually worked, but for a very reasonable price, this one changed my whole view of this tool. Of course, I have larger cheese graters, but those are basically useless for getting that fine zest, and the Deiss cheese grater is compact, so no need to pull out the more cumbersome graters or tools. Much the same can be said of the Deiss apple corer and cutter and their razor sharp vegetable peeler too. With firm grip handles, the cook is in control of the tools, the stainless steal blades ensure that the tools will remain sharp for years, and they are dishwasher safe too.

I'm looking forward to receiving the Deiss funnel set and the utensil set too. If they are anything like the other Deiss products I have had the pleasure to use, then I know I won't be disappointed and I welcome the opportunity to replace the ones I currently use. The funnel set is a space saver, and if you happen to have hooks or a utensil jar on your counter, then the utensil set would fit right in and would be conveniently accessible. The utensil set does not contain toxins and is safe for cooking. Otherwise, into the drawer they go, and any older plastic or battered ones can be tossed right into the bin.

Without further ado, to take part in the giveaway, all you have to do is leave a comment here and tell me what your favorite kitchen gadget is. What is the gadget or utensil you find absolutely indispensable and could not imagine being without? It does not have to be one of the ones I am offering here. Please also visit and like Deiss Official and Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen on Facebook. Deiss also has an Instagram page. The contest is open to residents of Canada and the US. Along with your comment, I also need you to leave contact info, meaning your email address if you are not a blogger or if your blog doesn't happen to have contact information associated with it. This is important, otherwise I will have no way of contacting the winners.

The contest runs from today, December 18th, and will run until January 2nd, 2019. After the closing date, I will do a random draw and three lucky winners will each receive the three prizes that I am offering here. A special thanks to Deiss Kitchenware for giving me this opportunity.

Merry Christmas from Lisa's Kitchen and good luck.