I've noticed that a lot of people think their birthday less important as they get older. Stephen's dad George is one of those - his birthday normally passes with nothing more exciting than a BBQ. This year was even worse: he tried to let it go uncelebrated at all! Luckily, Stephen's sister Melissa was determined to do something for him, and cooked an elaborate meal. The cheesecake that she ended the meal with was absolutely perfect; soft and light and smooth, and filled with plump, juicy cherries. The base was chocolaty and crispy, and the topping, with that touch of kirsch, was to die for.
I hope to be making a big deal out of my birthday for years to come, and I fully encourage everyone else to - it's one day a year where it's all about YOU, so embrace it!
Black Forest Mini-Cheesecakes
Adapted from The Australian Women's Weekly
INGREDIENTS
250g chocolate ripple biscuits
120g melted butter
3 teaspoons gelatine
½ cup water
250g Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup caster sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
300ml thickened cream
Half a 425g can pitted black cherries (conserve liquid)
1 tablespoon cornflour
1 tablespoon cherry liqueur
1. Process the chocolate biscuits until fine crumbs form. Add the butter, and process to combine. Press the mixture into the bases of a muffin tray with removable bottoms. Place the tray on an oven tray, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. Sprinkle gelatine over 1/2 cup water in a ceramic bowl with high sides; stand bowl in a small saucepan of simmering water. Stir constantly until gelatine dissolves, then leave to cool for 5 minutes.
3. Beat cream cheese, sugar and lemon juice in a large bowl until smooth. Whip the thickened cream in a separate bowl until soft peaks form, and fold in two batches into the cheese mixture. Fold in the gelatine mixture.
4. Drain the cherries over a bowl, saving the liquid. Use paper towel to remove excess liquid.
5. Spoon 1/2 of the cheese mixture into the muffin pan on top of the biscuit crust, then add the cherries. Top with the rest of the cheese mixture, then refrigerate for 20 minutes.
6. Mix the cherry juice and the cornflour in a small saucepan over a low heat until mixture boils and thickens. Add the liqueur then cool for 10 minutes, then add to the top of the cheesecakes. Use a skewer to lightly swirl the cherry juice mixture into the cheesecake, then refrigerate cheesecakes overnight. Makes 12.
What are your plans for your next birthday?
Sweet, alcoholic and adorably miniature. This dessert ticks all the boxes for me Jas! LOVE IT.
Posted by: Alana | Nov 24, 2011 at 10:57 PM
Sounds delicious and looks great!
Posted by: Gaby | Nov 25, 2011 at 08:53 AM
Why are mini things always so appealing?
my next birthday is the dreaded 3-0... so i'll probably be hiding away somewhere in denial.
Posted by: rockahenry | Nov 25, 2011 at 12:33 PM
Dear Jasmyne,
This mini-cheesecake looks really delicious and I think it's the thought of being able to take a big chunk with one bite makes it all the more enticing :)
Posted by: Chopinand @ ChopinandMysaucepan | Nov 25, 2011 at 04:37 PM
That is so true. It does seem like the older we get, the less importance we place on celebrating our birthdays. Is it because we've celebrated so many by then? Or do we feel like we no longer should make such a big deal about it at our age? Hmm....You're right, though. We should relish it. Heck, turning one year older is always a milestone that should be reveled in. ;)
Posted by: Carolyn Jung | Nov 26, 2011 at 07:15 AM
I too like to embrace my birthday. I like to make it one day about me. Mothers' day isn't I have mothers I like to spoil, but my birthday is another story.
Posted by: Sara (Belly Rumbles) | Nov 26, 2011 at 10:42 PM
The mini cheesecake looks really cute and lovely. Simple and beautiful plating.
Posted by: Angie@Angiesrecipes | Nov 27, 2011 at 02:32 AM
I LOVE cheesecake. And these mini cherry cheesecakes look so good! Great presentation.
Posted by: Hotly Spiced | Nov 27, 2011 at 10:01 PM
The swirl looks simply delicious!
Posted by: yummychunklet | Nov 28, 2011 at 02:24 PM
What gorgeous tiny creations. They look and sound delicious. The cherry and the cheese together must really be fabulous. I know I'd love to sample them. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary
Posted by: Mary | Nov 28, 2011 at 11:53 PM
Wow that is gorgeous!
I made the mistake of starting full time work a couple of days before my birthday so I spent it typing up reports. My boyfriend remembered, though, and made dinner which was just lovely =)
Posted by: Lucy @ Lucyeats | Nov 29, 2011 at 10:43 AM
Now that is what I call a dessert! Looks great and I am sure it tastes amazing.
Posted by: Spencer | Dec 02, 2011 at 11:21 AM