Cheesecake...
a great segway into the next phase of food for Moi 
As summer comes to a close on the calendar, but not in weather...

Grapefruit Curd Swirl Cheesecake with Gingersnap crust

**Grapefruit Curd I am not a fan of, just wanted to try it, for kicks.

Gingersnap Crust

16oz gingersnap cookies

1/4 c melted butter

** Process cookies in food processor to crumbs, drizzle in melted butter until crumbs are moistened

Cheesecake - 8in square pan

2 pkg.  (8 oz. each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened

1/2 c  sugar

1/2 tsp.  vanilla

2 eggs

* Cream cheese and sugar in stand mixer until smooth, add eggs one at a time; scrape bowl periodically to ensure all ingredients are incorporated. Pour batter over prepared crust

** Swirl in curd, jam or any topping: I use Grapefruit Curd

*** Bake in a 325 oven for 40 mins or until cake is set.

------------------ Soundtrak of the Day ------------- 

Lucy Pearl - Dance Tonight

Final Exams are in... 'A' Students unite Petit Four Glace Mini Dobos Tortes w/ Caramel planks Deconstructed Gateau St. Honore w/ spun sugar, sugared puff pastry, vanilla diplomat creme, caramel dipped profiteroles, finished with raspberry/mango coulis. ------------------ Soundtrak of the Day ------------- Lady GAGA - I was born this was

So, I have reached the end of plated desserts sections in this module...*sigh* I am really impressed with my skills in tempering chocolate... Taking a concept to sketch and then plate...

Jaconde Sponge, cappuccino mousse, chantilly creme, tempered chocolate tiles and tear drop. Fresh orange segments, chocolate sauce and orange gastrique round out this plated finale!!!

------------------ Soundtrak of the Day ------------- Lil Wayne & Cory gunz - 6' - 7'

Team Plate Up Challenge #2 Components: Flourless Chocolate Cake, Cappuccino Mousse, Chocolate Garnish, 2 sauces and fresh fruit

------------------ Soundtrak of the Day ------------- The Donnas - Fall Behind Me

Challenge: 10 plated desserts, presented banquet style using Poached Pears, Mascarpone Mousse and Chocolate garnish as the staple items for the plate, sauces and additional garnishes determined by group member.

Pearscapone Delight Fanned poached pear halves, rossette of mascarpone mousse, chocolate flower, chocolate sauce and raspberry sauce complete the dish

------------------ Soundtrak of the Day ------------- Shakira - Sheowlf

Chocolate vs Megan ROUND 2 (ding!!)

Chocolate is so soothing to work with, when you can get it tempered correctly...

Tempered Chocolate Balloon Cups| Cappuccino Mousse | Chantilly Cream Salty Orange Caramel Sauce | Fresh orange segments & blackberries

* Not my best plate design, but im proud i finished and it looked decent.

------------------ Soundtrak of the Day ------------- N.E.R.D - Hot n Fun

Who know chocolate could be so cruel...

PlatedUp: Chocolate Cylinder, Chocolate Mousse, Raspberries, Chocolate Garnish, Chocolate Sauce & Straw/Raspberry Sauce ------------------ Soundtrak of the Day ------------- KC & The Sunshine Band - Summer Madness

Spiced Pineapple on reduced pineapple caramel sauce Coconut and macadamian nut tuile cookie topped with coconut sorbet and a caramel nut spike

Spiced Pineapple on kiwi coulis, coconut sorbet, toasted shaved coconut and topped with fresh kiwi and pineapple ------------------ Soundtrak of the Day ------------- Minnie Riperton - Lovin' You

I believe I have found my calling Amerika...

Plated Above: Apple/Cranberry phyllo dumpling, Cinnamon & Star Anise Ice Cream, Caramel sauce, Cranberry Coulis, Apple/Cranberry Filling, garnished with an apple chip and caramel corkscrew. ------------------ Soundtrak of the Day ------------- J Cole - Cost Me A lot

Its a New Year, and new adventures... I have ventured into the land of plated desserts.

Plated above: Raspberry Mousse & Vanilla Genoise sponge, paired with cinnamon creme anglaise, strawberry & raspberry coulis and a chocolate tuile cookie ------------------ Soundtrak of the Day ------------- Dirty Money - Yesterday