Something very German today: Käsekuchen, traditional German-style Cheesecake. It is made with Quark, which is nearly impossible to find around here, but I make my own (sort of like making yogurt). I am always a little nervous when making cheesecake, actually, because it can get quite dense or develop an unslightly crack through the middle, but this was light an fluffy and very was a great success. It was tart and lemony and yet still sweet and light. Pleased with the result.
Desserts
This pie is “waving” at you — and by that, I have called this pie a Liberty Wave Apple Pie. When I went apple picking a few weekends ago, I picked a whole lot of the liberty varietal. The wave part, is self-evident, with the ‘swoosh’. Lots of tart apples, lots of spice, an absolutely delicious apple pie. I am very happy with the design. Bring on the ice cream.
As you might know, I am a huge fan of Burlap & Barrel, the purveyors of single origin spices. They are unique, they are ethical and, hand down, make my food taste a million times better. I went on a small (only 10) spice shopping spree the other day and when planning out what to make this weekend as a sweet treat, I decided to incorporate cinnamon, clove and chili powder into these from-scratch brownies. They are delicious and the warm spices add that “wow” factor!
This is a Zwetschgenkuchen (a plum cake). In Southern Germany, this is the quintessential late summer cake to be served at coffee time or even as dessert. This version uses sourdough as the base for the cake, instead of being yeast-based. It’s delicious and reminds me of my aunt, who had a plum tree in her yard when I was a little girl.