Kitchen

[bonnielu]

I don't like cheesecake and if I did I would not spend that much.  I have seen some great recipes online and I am sure if I needed to serve one even I could figure it out.  

[QVCkitty1]

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@Pook wrote:

@Kachina624  @@QVCkitty1  What some call cheesecake (which is nothing like Junior's) may be quite simple and just a cheesecake wanna be with premade graham cracker crust and throwing in some cream cheese, sugar and eggs and mixing a short time!  

Just to make a REAL cheesecake from Junior's original recipe is more complex!  First you need to make the sponge cake crust which is a multi step process where you start out beating egg yolks until thick  light yellow ribbons form (5 minutes at least).  Then mix other ingredients and finally you beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until frothy and fold in in increments.  Then bake it.

For just a 9" one you need 4 8 oz packages of Phila Cream Cheese (not generic and full fat as it definitely does not come out as tasty), 2 extra large eggs (2 also needed for sponge cake crust), 3/4 cups heavy whipping cream and really good pure vanilla (I use Mexican - not just McCormick or generic)  The process is also multi step!   You might get an okay tasting one by skimping on ingredients but will definitely not be the same!  Over the years they have not changed this recipe or cheapened it and that is why long lines from just to get one piece of their cheesecake!!    When I make one of these to take anywhere there will be commentss about it being different than the cheesecake they know and that's because it is real cheesecake not just a cream cheese graham cracker desert!!

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@Pook, Actually, I don't make a graham cracker crust, I do it like my mom, and it's more like a shortbread bottom. I have had Juniors and thought it was just ok. I think if you are a good baker, you can get a great result at home. I was just offering an alternative to the 70.00 option.

[gardenmiss]

@Pook   I had bought Junior's cheesecake from the Junior's store here in New York to see what all the fuss is about.  It was no different from any other store-bought cheesecake.

I do prefer the Cheesecake Factory's every time. In fact, when they were only out in Californa like 20 years ago and not known on the East Coast,  a coworker convienced me to order from them. I ordered a lemon cheesecake and it was heavenly.

[ChynnaBlue]

No idea what Cheesecake you're talking about, so I don't know the size or type, but a plain home-sized cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory is $50. (You can also get their plain cheesecake from Walmart - also $50.) If you want one of the fancy ones, they're $59 - and those are smaller than the ones at the restaurant. If you want a restaurant-sized Cheesecake Factory cheesecake, those are $80.

[BlingQueen022]

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@gardenmiss wrote:

@Pook   I had bought Junior's cheesecake from the Junior's store here in New York to see what all the fuss is about.  It was no different from any other store-bought cheesecake.

I do prefer the Cheesecake Factory's every time. In fact, when they were only out in Californa like 20 years ago and not known on the East Coast,  a coworker convienced me to order from them. I ordered a lemon cheesecake and it was heavenly.

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I totally agree with everything you said here!!

[Stormygirl]

I havenever had a cheescake from QVC. Tempted but I wont because for me its "Once on the lips, forever on the hips" LOL

[homedecor1]

Yes it is here is the recipe (from Martha Stewart Bakes) I've been using for many years BUT when it comes to a special occassion (or preparing a big holiday dinner those costs and time spent adds up).  .

FOR THE CAKE
3 1/2 pounds (seven 8-ounce packages) cream cheese, room temperature
2 1/4 cups sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup sour cream, room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
5 large eggs, room temperature

GRAHAM CRACKER CRUST:

2 sticks unsalted butter

1/4 c. sugar

4 cups graham crackers for crust (crushed)

So factoring  the cost of the items (not including a large can of pumpkin) and the recipe is 10" vs. Jrs. pumpkin one is 15", serves 15+/- and perfectly cooked (cheesecakes are tricky to bake properly so they don't "crack").

To me, this price is worth it for a "special occassion" and presentation is beautiful! I know many club stores and Cheesecake Factory has a great cheesecake.  I just came home from Publix and a 5" plain cheesecake is $10.!

(I've had the "mini-cheesecakes" by Jrs. and interesting enough I didn't like them - not as creamy or good, these I would never buy again).

@Kachina624 wrote:

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@QVCkitty1 wrote:

Hey if it's worth it to you , go for it. However, if you have a KItchen Aid mixer, you can whip one up in no time.

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@QVCkitty1   Aren't they simple to make?  People think they're some sort of exotic preparation, when a food processor (or mixer) will do all the work.

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[Qshopper1991]

I make a cheesecake that ROCKS!!  Everytime I make it people go crazy over it and want the recipe or ask me to make them a cheesecake for a special event.

But I have to say that Juniors has some of the best tasting cheesecake around.  I have to admit, I do buy them every Christmas.  I make mine as well, but because I've made them for so many years, it's not a treat to me anymore.  But Juniors is!  Love all of their flavors.  And $70 isn't bad for a 5 lb. cheesecake!  It's well worth every penny

[GinzTonic]

Trader Joe has a NY style frozen cheesecake - it's quite good. Think it's 8$

[jaxs mom]

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@Reba055 wrote:

@Pook My thoughts exactly. Made a cheesecake lately?  It's not cheap!

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I've made tons of them from scratch in a springform pan not those premade crusts. It is not very expensive at all. Not even 20 dollars. I make pumpkin cheesecake for thanksgiving and my daughter gets a white chocolate peppermint bark cheesecake for her birthday. In summer I make a fresh raspberry cheesecake. I've made Juniors recipe too as I have their cookbook.