Banana Cheesecake with Caramel Sauce and Whipped Cream

Try to resist this, go ahead, I dare you!
The Fair Oaks Samba Club met yesterday and was hosted by Dr. Mavis Johnson who served a banana cheesecake that would have made Scarlet think about leaving Rhett. It was perfect. Great consistency, flavors, combinations and presentation. I had never had this flavor, but you know, it's a keeper. I was invited to join my mother and her friends for lunch and then I left and they spent the afternoon playing cards, drinking coffee, and swapping stories.

BANANA CHEESECAKE

Crust: 2 C. graham cracker crumbs; 1/2 C. finely chopped pecans; 1/4 C. sugar; 1/2 C. butter

Melt butter in a bowl and add the rest of ingredients mixing well. Spray a spring- form pan with baking spray and press the crumb mixture in the bottom and up
the side of the pan. Set aside
Filling: 3 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese,softened; 3/4 C. sugar; 1 tsp. vanilla 3 eggs; 1 C. mashed banana (about 2 medium size); 1 (8 oz.) carton sour cream; 2 Tbs. white cream de cacao; 2 Tbs. dark rum
Beat cream cheese until soft and fluffy,beat in sugar and vanilla until combined. Add eggs all at once bearing on low until just combined. Stir in mashed bananas and pour into crust lined pan. Bake in a 300 degree oven about 70-90 min. (I shake the pan slightly and if there is just a little quiver in the filling it is done.) Combine the sour cream, cream de cacao and rum while the cheesecake is baking and spread over the top. Return the cheesecake to the oven for 5-10 more minutes. Turn off the oven and open the oven door. Let the cheesecake cool on the oven. Cover and chill. Garnish with whipped cream, sliced bananas, and caramel sauce.

Dr. Johnson who retired after teaching and serving as one of the most beloved principals in our school system, now spends time traveling, trying new recipes, visiting her children and grandchildren and is always active in the activites at Forest Heights Methodist Church. She is a community treasure whose sharp, dry wit will catch you off guard if you're not careful. Before that 'Killer Cheesecake" she served a wonderful luncheon.

MENU

Autumn Pumpkin Soup with

Orange Cranberry Topper

Grilled Bavarian Smoked Ham Sandwich with

Amish Swiss Cheese, Spicy Brown Mustard,

Slice of Granny Smith Apple on Multi-grain Bread

Cinammon Pickle Rings, Carrots, Celery Spears

Banana Cheesecake with Caramel and Whipped Cream

Wine Iced Tea Coffee Water

GIVE THANKS

Give thanks for the fullness of days

spent together,

The friends that we pray will be

with us forever.

The feelings we've shared'

the food and good fun.

With faith that God's blessings

have only begun.

(Taken from an old sampler)