My "Personal" Version of Cheesecake

Here is pictured my personal version of cheesecake. I am actually not a big fan of cheesecake, although I do enjoy a slice of exceptionally good cheesecake, once in a while. There is a family in our area of the country that produces one of "the BEST" cheesecakes ever! It is a family business and it started with the mother in the family producing one amazing cheesecake. Her husband(if I understand the story correctly), took the recipe, reproduced it and took it to local restaurants. The rest is history. This company has grown and you can find" Pellman Cheesecakes" in restaurants and grocery stores throughout the eastern United States. Like I said, I only indulge in a slice of this gem, once in a great while. The rest of the time, this is how I enjoy cheesecake.

I take one or more(depending on how many parfaits that I want to serve), of Weight Watcher's strawberry, cherrry or blueberry cheesecake yogurt. Today I used the cherry cheesecake because I was out of the strawberry cheesecake yogurt, but it tasted every bit as good. I layer graham cracker crumbs in a glass parfait dish. I add the cheesecake yogurt, sliced fresh strawberries(or blueberries or sweet cherries), a dollop of light Cool Whip, and then I repeat layers of the same. I refrigerate the parfaits for at least a few hours, and sometimes a day or two. The flavors blend so nicely over time. It is so quick, easy, low in calories and refreshing. Perfect to serve for a ladies luncheon or dinner. I do not know much about the Weight Watcher's plan, but I do know they sure do make good yogurt.

Over the years, my favorite real cheesecake recipe, that I make especially over the summer is called "Spring Breeze Cheesecake". I found it in a magazine years ago. Every time that I make it, I get asked for the recipe. Here is it; 1 8oz. package of cream cheese, softened, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 cup sour cream, 2 teaspoons vanilla, 1 8 oz. container of Cool Whip, thawed, 1 Keebler Ready-Crust Graham Cracker pie crust(although I usually make my own with graham crackers). Beat cheese until smooth; gradually beat in sugar. Blend in sour cream and vanilla. Fold in Cool Whip, blending well. Spoon into crust. Chill until set, at least 4 hours, or overnight. When I serve this, I always serve it with a bowl of fresh cut up fruit(strawberries, peaches, blueberries, or cherry pie filling. So now, whether you have access to the store bought exceptionally good Pellman's cheesecake, or you want to go to a much lighter version as my own personal version, or if you want to make your own cheesecake and you need a light, airy and delicious version as the "Spring Breeze Cheesecake", the choice is up to you. I can vouch for all three types...they are so good! Even my husband enjoys my personal low calorie version. Hope you have a wonderful Saturday!