Sometimes the oldies are truly the goodies.  I think a lot of people love cheesecake, but are intimidated to try and make it.  I wouldn’t even attempt to make and give the recipe for my Daughter In Law, Laurie’s, cheesecake.  I mean it. It’s too hard!  She makes the best I have ever had.  It is smooth, sweet, absolutely Perfect!  If she ever quits Real Estate, she should sell cheesecakes.  People would pay $100 bucks for one!!!   SO, I will  call my recipe CHEESECAKE FOR DUMMIES.  I have heard from lots of you that you like simple recipes, so here is one.  I especially love these because I can make them into little cupcakes, and even if they crack it doesn’t matter, because you cover them with a little sweetened sour cream and some cherry or blueberry prepared pie filling.

CHEESECAKE FOR DUMMIES

2   8 oz. softened cream cheese

2/3 cup sugar

4 beaten eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

Vanilla wafers

Mix 1st 4 ingredients with mixer till smooth.  Place cupcake papers into a cupcake pan, and put one vanilla wafer in the bottom of each.  Fill each to about 3/4 cup full.   Bake at 325 degrees for about 20 minutes.  Let cool, and mix about 3/4 cup sour cream with a couple of tablespoons sugar.  Plop a spoonful on top of each.  Then another spoonful of prepared pie filling.  This is SO pretty at a party and it truly looks like you can cook!!!  p.s.  if you don’t have any pie filling you can substitute your favorite jam or jelly.  Strawberry is pretty, peach is nice, and for a real change, try Hot Pepper jelly.

 

CHICKEN DIVINE   (bet you haven’t had this in 20 years!–it’s still good)

2-3 cups cooked, cubed chicken  (this is a good one for leftover turkey at Thanksgiving, or if you like the flavor of Rotisserie you can use it.)  I don’t like that smoky flavor in this dish.  But that’s just me….

2  10 oz. boxes frozen Broccoli, or one bunch fresh and steamed

1 can Cream of chicken or mushroom soup

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 Tbs. lemon juice

1 Tbs. curry powder (this is a good time to try curry if you never have)

1 cup shredded cheddar, jack, or mixed for top

Layer Chicken and Broccoli.  Mix soup, mayo, lemon juice and curry.  Pour over and spread.  Top with cheese and bake about 25-30 minutes or till brown and Bubbly.  Good on noodles or rice!

 

HOMEMADE TERIYAKI SAUCE

You don’t have to cook this unless you want it thicker.  If so, mix all the following and add one or two Tbs. cornstarch and simmer about 5 minutes or till it thickens.

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/3 cup soy sauce (I love Kikkoman)

1/4 cup water

1 Tbs. Worchestershire sauce

2 Tbs.  Sherry Wine

1 tsp. lemon juice

1 tsp. ground ginger (or 1 Tbs. fresh grated

1 small can crushed pineapple (this is a good place to add the cornstarch as it will get the lumps out)

Bring all to a slow boil and simmer about 5 minutes.  Keep in jar in fridge