Cheesecake

16oz graham cracker crumbs

8oz butter

8oz sugar

32oz cream cheese

12oz sugar

6 eggs

2 egg yolks

1 c. half and half

1 c. sour cream

1 T. flour

2 tsp. vanilla

1 can cherry filling

My mom met her boyfriend when I was in the 8^th grade. I consider it one of the happiest days of my life. My mom has been through a lot of bad boyfriends in her past, but Don is truly a keeper. We moved in with him when I was in 9^th grade, in the next county over from ours. I never much cared for the people or community my mom and I used to be a part of.  As happy as we can be over the holidays there is one factor that puts all of us on edge, and that is Don’s mother Sharon.

Sharon for the most part is stubborn. Her techniques for cooking her signature dishes on the holidays are becoming outdated. She knows this but yet can’t take my constructive criticism, regardless of my credentials and professional know how.

My specialty desserts are becoming more and more famous within the new community of friends my mom and I successfully have made. Sharon insists on bringing her outdated (store bought) desserts to every family function, and because of this, our new friends will never be able to witness my new creations. With every gathering the family has two concepts they keep in mind. First, Grandma Sharon is never in a good mood, and second, she’s going to bring her box cheesecake. Which always is a left over that no one wants to take home.

With this said, added to this text is a video of me making a very simple cheesecake from scratch. I warn viewers that chefs love to drink in the kitchen while cooking, so viewer discretion is advised. -haha

Grandma Sharon,

I hope that over time you will come to love my suggestions and small changes to your recipes. Baking from scratch is not hard if you have the right teacher. But do not fear, school is almost out and I will have a month off for winter break to help you with all of your bad habits. Also, I hope you don’t see this video.

Much love and respect,

- Zack