Friday 11 July 2008

back in the kitchen... kind of. Oh, and a no-bake cheesecake.

Those of you who read this blog will know that (1) we've been having a new kitchen built, and (2) it's become a saga of epic proportions. I have spared you most of that saga because (1) it's simply too tedious, and (2) I'd only depress myself even further.

So - an update of sorts. No, it's not finished yet, and yes, there is now a sort of light at the end of the tunnel. For those of you who are interested (why???), the floor has yet to be put down, the bar lights need to be fitted, the top of the oven needs replacing, a cupboard needs reconfiguring, and some paintwork needs redoing. Looking at the end of the month at earliest, I guess.

Still, in the last couple of weeks, we've started to move stuff back in. Just odds and ends to ensure I can cook our meals again, which is a mighty big improvement on the past 3 months or so. Nothing fancy, just basic stuff. All the fancy-schmancy equipment and ingredients are still packed up in boxes.

Yesterday, I pushed the boat out a bit further in honour of a flying visit from my dad. I went out into the hell-hole that is our garage and rooted around for my chef rings. Not easy - garage is unlit and dark and has about 20 boxes of kitchen stuff in it. I also had the pleasure of finding a huge* toad in there - about 4-5 inches big. No, I didn't squeal. I can't vouch for the toad.

*Yes, 4-5 inches IS huge. In my book. For a toad, that is.

Anyway - found 'em.

Result - cute little cheesecakes (recipe courtesy of Mr Ramsay, tweaked a teeny bit), adorned with wonderful, seasonal raspberries from Kent, my home county. And no, it's not a coulis. I wanted the raspberries to be slightly softened, but still more or less whole and with a little bite left in them.


raspberry cheesecake 1

and zoomed in a little...


raspberry cheesecake 2

I had one. Dad managed 2.5. Good going, Dad.

34 comments:

Anonymous said...

It looks fantastic - but 2.5? Wow! Was that in one sitting?

aforkfulofspaghetti said...

I'm afraid to say it was, Helen. My dad's as skinny as anything, but has an unbelievable (and enviable!) food capacity...

Manggy said...

Hah! Your cheesecake looks far better than the one they have at Times Online. Show off your raspberries, why don't you!? Aside from your upcoming new kitchen, that's one more reason to be jealous...

Peter M said...

This looks superb and the kitchen update sounds promising. You could always buy a toaster oven in the meantime.

I can outdo pops...2 5/8 would be my portion!

Anonymous said...

Nice! Just think - you are on the home stretch now! You nearly have a kitchen again....

Anonymous said...

Looks amazing and love the presentation and the photo.

Mike said...

They look stunning, well done!
Mike

lorraine@italianfoodies said...

Looks fab, I've never made a cheesecake, time I tried me thinks! Glad the kitchen is nearly done, I spent so much time complaining about not having one I've been lazier than ever with the cooking since it was finished! Oh well a couple of weeks in Italy will recharge the batteries;)

Pia K said...

Slurp, looks delicious! And raspberries are the best fruity/berry stuff ever!

And some food for thought (every pun intended); how come craftsmen are all alike everywhere, snort, somehow I can't think of any other occupational group that - in general terms, since there's always exceptions to the rule -gets away with so much unprofessional crap...

Nina Timm said...

Good golly this looks so good. I love the whole raspberries too.

Anonymous said...

Who has the energy to bake a cheesecake in the summer. The photos are perfect! I'll definitely try this.

janelle said...

Man oh man. The kitchen remodel brings back memories! There was a point where my kitchen was wall-less, counter-less and equipment devoid. Empty. We added insulation, floors, appliances, cupboards... there was a time where we used a microwave in the guestroom and had to go outside just to access our fridge. Oh, the good ole days:). Best of luck: I hope your kitchen comes together soon and is truly magnificent!!!

Maggie said...

The cheesecakes look hiphuggingly wonderful.
Much more colourful than the ones shown on Times Online.
Would you share with us the size of rings you used please.
Also did you make the full quantity as per the recipe.

Wendy said...

Beautiful!
Are we going to see pictures of the finished kitchen? My own is brown and retro (in a bad way). Need to live vicariously through others. :)

Jacqueline Meldrum said...

Gorgeous and what a feat in an unfinished kitchen :)

Nic said...

I'm so happy to hear that the end is in (long) sight, especially when you can produce a fabulous looking cheesecake like this with just half a kitchen!

Susan from Food Blogga said...

My mom went through a kitchen remodel about 20 years and still talks, um complains, about it. ;) It can be extremely trying on even the most patient of people, so I understand your pain. That is one seriously good looking cheesecake though!

aforkfulofspaghetti said...

manggy - I thought Gordon's version looked a bit meh, too. Not that I'd say that to his face, mind...

Peter - an eating comp vs my father? Are you sure? He'd already had two sizeable courses before then, too...

Helen - I'm holding onto that thought

Sarah, Mike, Lorraine, Pia, Nina - thanks

Cenk - do. It's fab.

Janelle - that's a very good account of the past 3 months here...

Margaret - the rings are 7cm (diam.) x 6 cm (height). I made half the quantity to make 4 individual cheesecakes.

Wendy - when I can be bothered/when it's all finally finished!

Holler, nicisme, Susan - thank you. Susan - I think I'll be emulating your mum...

Heather said...

Whoa, that is one helluva bebbeh cheesecake! Glad your kooknyu is almost back.

Jacqueline Meldrum said...

I have tagged you for a photo meme, so that you can show off some of your beautiful photos :)

David Hall said...

Looking good! As for the kitchen, I would have been driven mad by now!

Anna said...

Hooray for light at the end of the tunnel, kitchen-wise. And I adore no-bake cheesecakes (to the extent I could probably rival your dad, if you put a table-full in front of me), so this is a winner with me!

Johanna GGG said...

they look like mere mouthfuls - no wonder your dad made such a sterling effort! he is probably used to food cooked in a real kitchen - once you are back in the saddle you will remember how to eat well too - just joking of course, but seriously I am happy to hear your kitchen is starting to look like a place for cooking again

eldivenlerim said...

your posts and photos are great.
cheesecake looks yummy:)))

Anonymous said...

Ooooh - my husband would be up for eating at least 2.5 portions of that delicious dessert :-) Cheesecake is his absolute favourite and he's always bemoaning that I don't make it more often...

Yvonne Randall said...

Drool, drool, drool. I want one now.

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

No bake cheesecake is perfect for these hot summer days. It is up to 40Celcius so this recipe is much appreciated:D

Maria Verivaki said...

what a feast - i wish i were at our place!

Shreya said...

a cheeecake - pure unadulterated joy! I am drooling at the zoomed-in picture...

Cakelaw said...

Oh my - these look gorgeous! Worth digging out those pastry rings for.

Laura Paterson said...

Mmmmmmm - I saw these on the F word - but I have to say yours look even better!

Anonymous said...

i would sell a kidney to have your lighting. gah.

A_and_N said...

Wow, the cheesecake looks better than what is served in gourmet restaurants. The picture is so lovely :)

Coffee and Vanilla said...

Beautiful and I love the idea of making no bake cheesecake! :)

Have a nice day, Margot