Food for Thought – May 14, 2013

On the evening of Saturday, May 5th, we went to Wilson County (near Nashville) to square dance at the Wilson County Grand Squares Saddle Up Dance. They always have a great barbecue before the dance. Square dance is the country dance of Tennessee and is great exercise for the mind and body.

Their desserts are always wonderful, so today I’ll give you dessert recipes.

This recipe is from Sharon Valenta of Westchester, IL.

Chocolate Cheesecakes

24 miniature vanilla wafers or ginger snap cookies

1 pkg. (8 oz.) reduced-fat cream cheese

1/2 cup sugar substitute

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted and cooled

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 egg, lightly beaten

1/3 cup heavy whipping cream

4 tsp. confectioner’s sugar

chocolate curls, optional

1) Place wafers, flat side down, in paper-lined miniature muffin cups; set aside.

2) in small bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar substitute until smooth. Add chocolate chips and vanilla; mix well. Add egg; beat on low speed until just combined. Spoon one tablespoon into each cup. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes, or just until set. Cool completely on wire rack. Cover and refrigerate one hour.

3) In a small bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add confectioner’s sugar; beat until stiff peaks form. Top cheesecakes with whipped cream mixture, garnish with chocolate curls, if desired.

Yield: 2 dozen

One cheesecake (without curls) equals 65 calories.

This cake from Billie B. Isaacs of Miamisburg, OH, is heavenly, as its name says.

Heavenly Chocolate Cake

1 cup butter, softened

2-1/2 cups sugar

5 eggs

1-1/2 tsp vanilla extract

2-3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup baking cocoa

2 tsp. baking soda

3/4 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

1-1/2 cups water

1) In large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well. Beat in vanilla. Combine dry ingredients; add to creamed mixture alternately with water, beating well after each addition.

2) Pour into the greased and flour 9-inch round baking pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 24-25 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans and transfer to wire rack to cool completely. Frost as desired. I like a cream cheese icing.

Serves: 12

This last thought from Psalm 62:6.

“My soul, be at rest in God alone, from Whom comes my hope.”

Please send your recipes or recipe requests to: The Vista, 5413 Peavine Road, Crossville, TN or email to: [email protected].

Until next time,

Ellie