Heavenly Chocolate Cheesecakes

Its that time of the year again when we have long sundrenched days, dreamy sunsets and quality get-togethers, we also long for our tastebuds to be serenaded with frequent appearances of what I call "luxurious indulgences" that really warm our souls leaving us feeling nostalgic.

With that said Ive decided to whip up the perfect cheesecake, something to enthuse and delight the senses, yet leaving you feeling light and airy.

I've certainly found my newest little slice of heaven on earth...lots of love...Zaakiyyah

HEAVENLY CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKES

INGREDIENTS:

For the crust:

16 oreo cookies - white centres removed and biscuits crushed to form fine crumbs

4 Tablespoons unsalted butter melted

For the filling:

1 cup cream cheese - softened

2/3 cup nutella spread

1 teaspoon vanilla essence

1 cup whipped whipping cream

METHOD:

In a medium bowl, stir together the oreo cookie crumbs and melted unsalted butter.

evenly divide the mixture between a 12 hole mini cheesecake pan.

Press down firmly and set in the freezer for approximately half an hour to 45 minutes.

In a large bowl, with an electric mixer, beat together the cream cheese and the Nutella spread until smooth.

Add  the vanilla essence and mix further to combine.

Thereafter, fold the the whipped cream into the mixture until well blended and NO streaks remain.

Spoon mixture over the well chilled oreo bottoms and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving.

To serve, top with a generous amount of fresh cream, a sprinkling of chopped toasted hazelnuts and a drizzle of chocolate syrup!

*note, this recipe makes exactly 12 mini cheesecakes



HOMEMADE MADELEINES

These are miniscule shell-shaped french tea time cakes that have a special texture thats made from a genoise sponge. The shape comes from the shell-shaped mould in which the batter is cooked.

Whether they are left plain, dusted with icing sugar, or flavoured with coffee, chocolate or dried fruit these French sponge cakes have a subtle charm of their own!

I hope that you enjoy these as much as we have and its sure to add a whole lot of French delicacy to your tea table! so give these a try and enjoy! lots of love!



MADELEINES

MAKES: approx 36

PREPARATION TIME: 30minutes

COOKING TIME: 10 - 12 minutes for each batch

OVEN TEMPERATURE: 190 degrees celcius

INGREDIENTS;

for the basic madeleine mixture

125g unsalted butter

125g flour

1 level teaspoon cornflour (maziena)

4 eggs

125g caster sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

METHOD:

Grease a madeleine pan with some butter and set aside.

Beat eggs, caster sugar,and vanilla extract in a bowl until thick and creamy (this may take a while)

Meanwhile, sift the flours twice, thereafter sift it again over the egg mixture; melt the butter and pour it down the side of the bowl then fold the ingredients together.

Drop rounded tablespoon fulls of mixture into the pan holes.

Bake the madeleines for about 10 minutes or until done.

Tap the hot pan gently to release madeleines then turn immediately onto baking paper covered wire racks to cool. serve dusted with extra icing sugar.

ENJOY!