Aristocakes

In this world of fast food, the art of cooking and baking are being lost. Looking back to my childhood, I remember many times during the year that my family would cook together. In the years that followed, cooking and baking for friends and family centered on Italian gravy, turkey, pizza, lasagna, cookies, pound cake, chocolate mousse and, of course, cheesecake. As I traveled around the world tasting a variety of foods and desserts, my palate became more sophisticated-- my recipes started to be transformed into delectable treats. That was exciting. My father said to me, “Take the family cheesecake recipe and put your own personality into it.” The results were tremendous. A new family tradition was born, a cheesecake on every holiday.One sunny afternoon many years later, while I was sitting on the beach in Aruba, an idea popped into my head, “Write a cookbook.” When baking a cheesecake for Thanksgiving, I decided to write a cheesecake cookbook. The first question that came to mind was “Where was I going to get the recipes to put into the book?” Deciding to write my own recipes, I compiled a list of possible ideas, then started baking one cheesecake a week. People from all walks of life were needed to taste them and give me feedback; they were found. The feedback was positive and the book started to come to life. I enjoyed creating Aristocakes: Cheesecakes that are Rich and Famous. It’s with great pleasure I share my recipes with you for your enjoyment.