french onion soup

4 med. onions - sliced
2 Tbls. real butter
4 cups broth
1 Tbls. sherry - optional, but recommended
1 Tbls. worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 dash ground thyme

-In a 2-quart saucepan over low heat, cook onions in butter for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. -Add remaining ingredients to pot; increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes.

optional: Once the soup is finished, divide into 4 soup crocks and top with sourdough or French bread cubes then shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese. Broil just until cheese has melted and browns slightly.  ~ A delicious soup for a cold night.

coconut cream cheesecake

2 1/2 cup grated fresh coconut
1 cup heavy whipping cream - scalded
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup cold real butter - sliced
4 tsp. granulated sugar
20 oz. cream cheese
1 1/2 cup sugar
4 eggs
2 egg yolks
2 1/2 Tbls. coconut liqueur
1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. almond extract
1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup cream of coconut
1/2 tsp. coconut liqueur
toasted coconut flakes - for garnish

-Puree coconut and cream in a blender for 4 minutes; set aside to cool.
-Cut butter into flour and 4 tsp. sugar until mixture resembles small crumbs.
-Press evenly into bottom of a greased 10" springform pan.
-Bake in a 325 degree oven for 25 minutes, or until golden; set aside.
-Cream together cream cheese and 1 1/2 cups sugar.
-Stir in cooled coconut puree, then eggs and yolks, then 2 1/2 Tbls. liqueur, lemon juice, and extracts.
-Pour mixture evenly over prepared crust.
-Bake in a 325 degree oven until sides of cake are dry and center is set, about 1 hour.
-Allow cheesecake to cool for 30 minutes.
-Beat together sour cream, cream of coconut, and 1/2 tsp. liqueur; spread over cheesecake.
-Bake in a 325 degree oven for 10 minutes.
-Allow cheesecake to cool for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for 4 hours.
-Sprinkle coconut flakes over top before serving.


~This will cheesecake will wow them all!!  It can be served after a dinner or take it with to a friends house for an evening of hanging out together.  

strawberry italian cream soda

• 3 tablespoons (1-1/2 oz.) Strawberry Syrup
• 3 tablespoons (1-1/2 oz.) heavy cream or half & half
• 1 cup ice
• 12 oz seltzer water (or your favorite carbonated water) , chilled
• 1 serving whipped cream

1. Stir together strawberry syrup and cream in 12 oz glass.
   
2. Add ice.
   
3. Fill glass with seltzer; stir. Garnish with whipped cream. Serve immediately.