| Contrary to what some believe, cheesecake does not | | | | cheesecake for a horde of teenagers probably |
| have to be a difficult and daunting task. Nor should it | | | | means that you could get away with using generic |
| be intimidating. Seeing the end result of a perfectly | | | | brands, however, if you wish to impress guests at a |
| made dessert is worth the effort of following some | | | | dinner party, definitely go with genuine, good quality |
| simple guidelines. | | | | ingredients. |
| - Read your recipe all the way through before you | | | | - It is absolutely fine to substitute some ingredients |
| start. That way you will know that you have all the | | | | when making cheesecake. For example, if you are |
| required ingredients at hand and you can prepare it | | | | making a recipe with strawberries but would prefer |
| well in advance taking into account cooking and/or | | | | blueberries then by all means use them. Similarly with |
| chilling times. | | | | nuts, substitute with whatever your heart desires. |
| - Gather and measure out all your ingredients before | | | | - Similarly with liquid ingredients, if you wish to substitute |
| you start. Put the ingredients in order of when they will | | | | for a different flavour go right ahead, however, ensure |
| be used. That way, the actually making process will be | | | | you are using the same amount as stated in the recipe |
| smooth and easy without having to hunt around in the | | | | i.e. one tablespoon of vanilla instead of one tablespoon |
| fridge or cupboard for that elusive ingredient that you | | | | of almond essence. |
| discover you do not have!! | | | | - When using cream cheese, open the foil packaging |
| - Whenever possible, use fresh ingredients. They will | | | | and allow it to soften prior to use. It is also a good idea |
| give your cheesecake a lighter and fresher taste. | | | | to cut the cream cheese into small blocks. This makes |
| However, if you cannot get fresh ingredients, use | | | | it easier to beat. |
| whatever is available. For example, the taste of fresh | | | | - When beating cream cheese, make sure it is |
| lemon juice is much nicer that pre packaged juice as | | | | completely smooth before adding any other |
| the pre packaged one has water added. | | | | ingredients. |
| - If you wish, you can use less expensive, generic | | | | - Allow all ingredients to come to room temperature |
| brands such as chocolate, however, there is a | | | | before starting to make your cheesecake including |
| difference in taste. Keep this in mind as it will affect the | | | | eggs. This will result in a smoother and creamier |
| end result of your cheesecake. For example, making a | | | | cheesecake at the end. |