A Holiday Dessert Your Guests Will Enjoy!

White Chocolate Cheesecake Lollipops

By Chef Brian Schmeler

Ingredients:

• 20 ounces imported white chocolate (such as Lindt), chopped

• 2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, room temperature

• 2/3 cup sugar

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 3/4 teaspoon grated lemon peel

• 2 large eggs

• 3 ounces imported dark chocolate (such as Lindt), chopped

• 5 dozen lollipop sticks

Method:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease 8-inch spring form pan, set aside. Melt 4 oz white chocolate in top of double boiler over simmering water until smooth, stirring often. Remove from over water. Using electric mixer beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla and peel in large bowl until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating just until combined. Beat in white chocolate. Spoon batter into pan. Bake until edges of cake are set but center 3 inches still moves when cake is shaken, about 45 minutes. Chill overnight.

Scoop by teaspoon and form into balls on baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place lollipop stick into each ball. Melt remaining white chocolate in top of double boiler over simmering water until smooth, stirring often. Dip each lollipop into white chocolate to coat waiting for a few seconds before placing back onto parchment paper. Let cool for 30 minutes or until chocolate is set. Melt dark chocolate in top of double boiler over simmering water until smooth, stirring often. Scoop chocolate into fine tip piping bag and drizzle over lollipops. Let cool for 30 minutes or until chocolate is set and serve!

Makes 5 Dozen Lollipops.

Entertaining tips

Hosting a party in your home this season? We have some entertaining tips to inspire you...

1. Appetizer amount

How many appetizers do you need per person for your party? Count on 5-7 per guest before a meal or 10-14 per guest if no meal is planned. Serve a cheese and fruit platter and other savoury items such as, tapas or spreads. Don’t forget something sweet, for example, white or chocolate dipped cheesecake lollipops or hand rolled chocolate truffles.

2. Enhance your cheese platter

• Add spiced or candied nuts
• Add a unique marmalade or jelly
• Label your cheeses
• Instead of crackers, use crostini and flatbreads

3. Invite all the senses

• Serve warm apple cider
• Play soft music in the background
• Dim the lights
• Use textured linens in a variety of ways

4. Create an atmosphere

Have 1-2 focal points of decor. Choose one to three colours that will add a sparkle or shimmer to your table. Something as simple as an arrangement of glass ornaments in a clear vase will make a big impact.

Habitat for Humanity

For 2 years, I have been a proud member of the Habitat for Humanity Wellington County, a non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to eliminating poverty housing throughout the world. In June 2010 I will be participating in my first Women’s Build in Guelph, a fantastic program that promotes the involvement of women in the construction of a Habitat home. The Women Build is about women who build or who have always wanted to build. It is about spirit, fun, learning, and a whole lot of pride in working with a family to build a place they can call home.

On Thurs, Nov 6^th I attended the Habitat for Humanity Inaugural Celebration Dinner and Auction “Building a Dream”, hosted by Delta Guelph Hotel and Conference Centre. See pictures below featuring, volunteers, donors and HGTV’s Income Property host Scott McGillivray.

Learn more about how you can help Habitat for Humanity: www.habitat.ca

Stay tuned for more information on an upcoming Habitat For Humanity Fundraising Event being held on Friday, February 5^th in Guelph.

Chef At Your Chalet

Had a long day skiing? Too tired to cook for your family or friends?


Let us come to your chalet and cook for you! We have put together a few Chalet Cocktail Reception options that are easily customized to your needs, including hors d’oeurves, chef attended cooking stations and delicious desserts.


Chef At Your Chalet!

Come visit Appetizingly Yours at the Royal Winter Fair!

In partnership with the City of Guelph, we will be attending the Royal Winter Fair on Wednesday, November 11^th. Visit us at the Grow Guelph booth and enjoy some delicious AY desserts and beverages.

We will be serving Maple Tarts, Dutch Apple Tarts, Pumpkin Pie Squares and Orange Cranberry Scones. Your choice of apple cider, fair trade coffee and a selection of teas will be available.

For more information on the Royal Winter Fair, www.royalfair.org!