A few weeks ago, we had started a theme along the lines of Valentine’s Day desserts and treats.

Last week was a no-baking necessary recipe for cheesecake that also incorporated chocolate, which seems to be a Valentine’s Day staple

Some of you may be saying, “Again with the cheesecake?!” and my answer to that would be, yes, again with the cheesecake.

It’s one of those desserts that holds the perfect balance of just sweet enough.

So while we just recently looked at a cheesecake recipe, you likely have not seen one like this before. Or at least, not too often.

Cheesecake in a trifle is one of those unexpected desserts that, while not the norm, there’s just something, “right,” about it. It’s just fitting for the ingredients at hand.

This recipe is especially good for those who adore cheesecake, but who almost love the graham cracker crust more.

Does anyone else think the crust should be doubled in most recipes? I wholeheartedly do.

I present to you a cheesecake that has equal amounts of ingredients. Well, maybe not exactly precise as I can assure you that no kitchen scales were used in the makings of this dessert, but near equal.

We could call this the, ”justice for graham cracker crust!” cheesecake if we wanted to get passionate and unjustly excited about such things.

Although I could probably use the word, ‘cheesecake,’ at least five more times, I’m going to end it here, and allow you to judge for yourself.

As always, thanks for reading, and Happy Valentine’s Day from hbk!

Cherry Cheesecake Trifle

INGREDIENTS

2 blocks cream cheese, softened

1 tsp. vanilla extract

3 Tbsp. granulated sugar

4 C. whipped cream, homemade

2 cans, cherry pie filling

2 packs, graham crackers, finely crushed

¢ C. granulated sugar

1 stick, butter, melted

1. Prepare whipped cream. If you don’t already have a recipe, this can easily be done using 2 cups of heavy whipping cream, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/3 – ¢ cup of powdered sugar.

Beat using a whisk attachment on your stand mixer, or a handheld mixer, on medium speed for about 3-5 minutes or until the cream starts forming peaks.

2. Transfer whipped cream to another bowl, and using a flat beater, (whisk will also work but may take longer) mix the cream cheese, 3 tablespoons sugar and vanilla extract on medium speed for about 5 minutes, or until perfectly smooth.

The best way to achieve this is by allowing the cream cheese adequate time to soften, about 3 hours or more.

3. Once the cream cheese is smooth, fold in the whipped cream, about 1 cup at a time until well blended and fluffy. Set Aside.

4. Crush graham crackers, then mix together well with melted butter and Ç cup of sugar. More sugar can be added to taste.

5. Layer graham cracker mixture, cheesecake mixture, and cherries in trifle bowl to your heart’s content.

Chill until serving. Yields 12-15 generous servings.

Katy Wise is a Fredonia resident.