I spent this morning making a special request cake. It wasn't your normal birthday cake. He asked for a chocolate marble cheesecake. I've never made a cheesecake before, but because I often feel like I short-change him on his birthday, I figured it was the least I could do. I also don't think he realized what an undertaking it would be. I chose a recipe (here's a link) that called for Irish Cream Liquor, a special dark chocolate wafer crust, a chocolate sauce topping...and of course, was peanut safe. Three grocery stores later and an early morning trip to the ABC store this morning, I had all of the ingredients. I enlisted Abigail's help to crush the cookie wafers and to do lots of stirring. We were up against the clock because the parade started at 1:00 and the cheesecake had to bake an hour and an half. But, we did it.
Here it is. It's so pretty that I had to take a picture. Frankly, I'm quite impressed with myself. Of course I'm saying this without having tried it first. We're going to try to work in eating a piece tomorrow between getting a Christmas tree and being at the church for an afternoon event. We couldn't eat it tonight because it has to be refrigerated at least 6 hours after baking. I've got candles, party plates and napkins ready though. Can't wait to cut into it. I just hope it tastes as good as it did in the bowl this morning.
Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband! This cheesecake is definitely a gift from the heart!
