This pumpkin cheesecake is one of the restaurant recipes that get searched for most often around the holidays, but, don’t hesitate to make this up any time of year. Because it uses canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling), it’s always in season.

One variation I’ve seen is making this a layered cheesecake.  To do this, you make up the batch of cheesecake mix without the pumpkin.  Pour half of this into the crust in the springform pan.  Put this in the refrigerator to chill while you do the next step.  Then add in the pumpkin to the remaining cheesecake mix and pour on top.  A wonderful taste with a great presentation.

Regardless of how you make it, you’ll definitely please everyone with this favorite from The Cheesecake Factory™.  If you’re not into pumpkin, you can always make up a patch of their original cheesecake.
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The Cheesecake Factory™ Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe

The Cheesecake Factory™ started as exactly that, a cheesecake factory.  The founders, Oscar and Evenlyn Overton were selling some of the best cheesecake around to local restaurants when they decided to branch out and start their own restaurant.  Today they’re consistently rated as one of the best places to spend an evening with friends as well as one of the most requested restaurant recipes.

My wife and I recently ate at The Cheesecake Factory™ and decided to split and entree and then order our own desserts.  We both walked out completely stuffed.  The portions at The Cheesecake Factory™ will blow you away.

Unfortunately, as large as the serving is, it’s still almost $10 for a slice of cheesecake.  For that amount of money, you could cook and entire cheesecake at home and server it to your family.  Please don’t be intimidated by the idea of cooking a cheesecake.  It’s not as hard as you’ve heard.  Just follow the instructions step-by-step and you’ll be fine.  Then take one to work and share it with your friends.  They’ll be begging for more.
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The Cheesecake Factory™ Cheesecake Recipe

The word Tiramisu is Italian for “Pick Me Up.”  This probably comes from the coffee you’ll find in the recipe.  A nice blend of strong Italian coffee along with a bit of brandy can make for a nice dessert.

I’m not a Tiramisu expert, but I’ve heard many people say that the Olive Garden™ recipe is one of the better ones you’ll find.  I had some Tiramisu at a little Italian bakery in the Little Italy part of San Franscisco.  It was amazing, but i think the atmosphere had a lot to do with it.

When you make this recipe, make sure you add plenty of sugar to keep it from that “cheese taste”.  This is a dessert, not an appetizer, so don’t be afraid to sweeten it up.

One of the restaurant recipes floating around uses sponge cake.  One trip to The Olive Garden and you’ll know it’s made with lady fingers, not sponge cake.  The following is the real deal.
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Olive Garden™ Tiramisu Recipe