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Death by Dairy
Aug. 22nd, 2022 07:54 pmOn Thursday night I was trying to stay awake for Jameson and feeling kind of ho-hum.
Then I remembered that they'd been out of butterscotch sauce at Publix (this was a suggestion as a drizzle for the banana cheesecake).
As it turned out, I had all of the ingredients on hand. Why not make some!
(CLICK HERE for video)
It looks lovely, but I'm afraid it's probably closer to caramel than butterscotch.
For one thing, I don't have scotch so used bourbon instead.
For another I had light brown sugar, not dark.
I should have added more molasses but was worried about doing so. But I should have. Next time.
Anyway, a caramel drizzle for a banana pudding cheesecake isn't exactly a problem either :)
---------------------------------------------
Woke up quite late for me, 9:30. Making up for three days of 5-hour sleeps I suppose.
Ate breakfast and reflected on how much I hate my new haircut.
If I re-wet it and blow dry it every single morning it won't be so bad.
But having bedhead is not an option this time. It looks hideous.
Oh well. When Jameson got up I blow-dried my hair, and then cup of coffee in hand, it was time to tackle the cheesecake.
First step, roasting bananas.
Sliced them lengthwise and sprinkled them with sugar. Cooked at 400F for 10 minutes.
Before:
After:
Next was the crust.
I had crushed the Nilla Wafers the night before, so poured them back into a food processor with sugar, salt, and melted butter.
Pressed into the bottom and sides of the springform pan using a ramekin. Baked at 350F for 10 minutes.
Then came the batter.
I had put out a lot of the ingredients earlier to bring them to room temp.
Four(!) bricks of cream cheese, three eggs, a little sour cream, vanilla, sugar, corn starch, and the roasted bananas.
When everything was blended, into the pan.
Into the oven for about 90 minutes with a dish of boiling water underneath to prevent cracking.
(I think our oven needs calibration, it's only supposed to take an hour to bake this.)
When it was done I shut the oven off and cracked the door, letting it cool for an hour in there.
Then it cooled on the counter for another hour or so.
It didn't sink or crack, and the color looks good, so I think this went well!
Very pleased with the result, as this is my first cheesecake.
There was a small amount of oil or butter leaking from the edges of the springform pan, but I think that's normal(?)
Anyway, after cooling I sliced two fresh bananas to cover the top.
On top of the bananas went a layer of vanilla instant pudding.
I'll make the whipped cream tomorrow because stabilized whipped cream "sets", and you need to shape it shortly after it's been made.
Had leftovers for dinner and did a small amount of data entry.
Jameson left for his opening night show, and while he was gone I went for a walk, then to the grocery for some things I'd run out of.
Killed time and eventually fell asleep. Jameson returned around 1:30am, having gone out for drinks with a friend after the show.
He was feeling rather depressed...performing is not fun for him any more, it's an obligation, and he seems to do it mostly when it's expected of him or when the money is good. This show in particular is one involving many of his friends, and they've done similar shows and created fond memories around this ensemble, but many of the members feel the show has run it's course and has become stagnant.
It's no fun beating a dead horse.
---------------------------------------------------
Saturday I woke up close to 10am, gosh, I must really need to catch up on sleep.
I kind of fasted all day because of the cheesecake, which is close to 900 calories a slice.
This meant 200-300 calorie meals all day.
I'm willing to do it this once, in order to enjoy a full slice with all the fixings.
But for the rest of the week I'll be taking a slice and dividing it into quarters. Good grief!
Breakfast was fat free Greek yogurt and raspberries, and an hour or so of data entry.
Lunch was egg whites, plain oatmeal (ok, a little jam on top, this is already Spartan enough), and more raspberries.
And more data entry.
Urrrrgh, all this just for a slice of cheesecake!
Around 2pm I made the stabilized whipped cream and gobbed it on, followed by Nilla crumbles.
Gonna toot my own horn and say that this looks magnificent.
Based on appearance alone, it could be sold in a bakery.
And turns out it tasted fantastic too.
I warmed the butterscotch sauce I'd made the night prior and drizzled it over each slice.
The slice pre-sauce, so you can see the lovely layers.
It was perfectly baked, creamy and rich. There were still distinguishable pieces of banana in the cake.
The fresh bananas provided a much-needed bite of freshness among all the pudding and cream cheese and whipped cream.
The crust was a little salty a little sweet (I still prefer a graham crust but this was good also).
Very glad that I made the butterscotch sauce even though it's not called for, it added a savory element and made every bite perfect.
I don't bake desserts often, being all health-conscious and whatnot.
But I'm VERY glad that I made this. It's a very special treat, and I learned a lot making it!
Also, here is the original video that inspired me to give it a try: (TikTok)
I separated out two slices to freeze, and once they are frozen solid I'll wrap them and bag them.
I'll continue to do that every few days this week.
I plan to eat only one more piece myself (cut into quarters and consumed over several days), but want to give Jameson a chance to eat as many slices as he'd like before they're all frozen.
We spent several hours digesting our decadent bricks of cream cheese, during which I did more data entry and Jameson watched the Cubs game. Eventually Jameson left for rehearsal and I practiced trombone. A big storm blew through so I couldn't go for a walk. Dinner was canned tuna, a slice of bread and 1/2 cup pumpkin. Stupid, delicious cheesecake. Worth it.
--------------------------------------------------
Sunday I woke up early, kind of restless.
I had breakfast and wrapped the two frozen cheesecake slices in parchment and then foil before sealing them in a ziploc.
They'll be joined by more soon.
About an hour of data entry, a Target run for some low sodium ham because I got Hawaiian sandwich bread and wanted to make uncrustables in the air fryer. A little cleaning and a little practicing.
The uncrustables turned out well, they're not exactly difficult.
They were nice toasted in the air fryer, with the cheese melting over the ham inside the bread.
But it'll also be fun to make them cold. Who doesn't like to play with their food?
It was a pretty slow day, I did about 3 hours of data entry total and can't remember doing anything else of note.
In the evening Jameson left for his last concert with Encore, and I followed shortly after because I wanted to support him.
This is Steinmetz Hall, a beautiful facility with amazing acoustics.
They've poured a lot of money into this setup and from what I can tell it's well worth it.
Hardly anyone was miked, yet the balance of sound was near-perfect even from my off-center seat.
I couldn't take pics during a performance of course, but the Encore ensemble cycled through hits, medleys, ballads, and instrumental works from popular musicals and shows. The soloists did an excellent job, and the full orchestra and 100-something member choir created this awesome wall of sound. It was a great experience and I'm glad I went. Support local arts!
As mentioned prior, Jameson is rather burnt out on performing, so sadly this wasn't a fun experience for him.
But I'm glad he got through it, I'm glad he participated, and I hope that taking a break from stuff like this will allow him to light a passion for other areas of interest for once. He's very talented and can do SO much, and I for one think he should explore that.
----------------------------------------------------------
Monday, I woke up fairly early with the intent of doing some data entry but got distracted because Jameson sent me a video for a cooking lunch box on TikTok. This is not a new topic...for the past year I think he's sent me 4-5 links related to products like this. He really seems to think I should get one!
I have to admit that it's VERY tempting.
I could cook and steam lots of things without hovering over a skillet.
I could bring it with me to rehearsals and have a hot meal waiting in the dressing room, for those times we get stuck at the theaters for dinner.
I could make oatmeal, rice, pasta, or eggs without having to stand there stirring and monitoring like I must do with the electric skillet.
And I've seen several videos of people both reheating leftovers, and cooking straight-up raw meat and vegetables in the Itaki unit.
The downside is that it IS rather large compared to the skillet, and to put it in my luggage would require a big reevaluation of what I carry with me. I could potentially store it in the band box that travels on a truck to each theater, but then I couldn't access it until after our opening night rehearsal, which ironically is probably when I'd need it the most.
Anyway, These are around $50 plus shipping which really isn't terrible, so I went ahead and got one.
Because I'm OVERSPENDING.
My excuse is that this is to appease Jameson :p
If it doesn't work out I'll send it back or simply use it to replace my dated rice cooker.
I did get around to data entry eventually, then did some weeding and some practicing.
Jameson had a lot of work to do today, and didn't get to leave his computer until after 5pm.
We had dinner and watched an episode of Forged in Fire before I had my Tootsie orientation meeting.
I'm actually halfway through it now, we're on a break.
There are a few changes so far, mostly having to do with covid protocols (they've lightened somewhat).
I wonder what else will be different this year!
--------------------------------------------------------------
Tomorrow I have discount court reporting, and Jameson is going to a Rays v. Cubs game with a friend, so after work I'm going to come home and clean for most of the night.
The day after that I have my "rescue" haircut. Wonder if I'll end up with a pixie cut....oof.
Then I remembered that they'd been out of butterscotch sauce at Publix (this was a suggestion as a drizzle for the banana cheesecake).
As it turned out, I had all of the ingredients on hand. Why not make some!
(CLICK HERE for video)
It looks lovely, but I'm afraid it's probably closer to caramel than butterscotch.
For one thing, I don't have scotch so used bourbon instead.
For another I had light brown sugar, not dark.
I should have added more molasses but was worried about doing so. But I should have. Next time.
Anyway, a caramel drizzle for a banana pudding cheesecake isn't exactly a problem either :)
---------------------------------------------
Woke up quite late for me, 9:30. Making up for three days of 5-hour sleeps I suppose.
Ate breakfast and reflected on how much I hate my new haircut.
If I re-wet it and blow dry it every single morning it won't be so bad.
But having bedhead is not an option this time. It looks hideous.
Oh well. When Jameson got up I blow-dried my hair, and then cup of coffee in hand, it was time to tackle the cheesecake.
First step, roasting bananas.
Sliced them lengthwise and sprinkled them with sugar. Cooked at 400F for 10 minutes.
Before:
After:
Next was the crust.
I had crushed the Nilla Wafers the night before, so poured them back into a food processor with sugar, salt, and melted butter.
Pressed into the bottom and sides of the springform pan using a ramekin. Baked at 350F for 10 minutes.
Then came the batter.
I had put out a lot of the ingredients earlier to bring them to room temp.
Four(!) bricks of cream cheese, three eggs, a little sour cream, vanilla, sugar, corn starch, and the roasted bananas.
When everything was blended, into the pan.
Into the oven for about 90 minutes with a dish of boiling water underneath to prevent cracking.
(I think our oven needs calibration, it's only supposed to take an hour to bake this.)
When it was done I shut the oven off and cracked the door, letting it cool for an hour in there.
Then it cooled on the counter for another hour or so.
It didn't sink or crack, and the color looks good, so I think this went well!
Very pleased with the result, as this is my first cheesecake.
There was a small amount of oil or butter leaking from the edges of the springform pan, but I think that's normal(?)
Anyway, after cooling I sliced two fresh bananas to cover the top.
On top of the bananas went a layer of vanilla instant pudding.
I'll make the whipped cream tomorrow because stabilized whipped cream "sets", and you need to shape it shortly after it's been made.
Had leftovers for dinner and did a small amount of data entry.
Jameson left for his opening night show, and while he was gone I went for a walk, then to the grocery for some things I'd run out of.
Killed time and eventually fell asleep. Jameson returned around 1:30am, having gone out for drinks with a friend after the show.
He was feeling rather depressed...performing is not fun for him any more, it's an obligation, and he seems to do it mostly when it's expected of him or when the money is good. This show in particular is one involving many of his friends, and they've done similar shows and created fond memories around this ensemble, but many of the members feel the show has run it's course and has become stagnant.
It's no fun beating a dead horse.
---------------------------------------------------
Saturday I woke up close to 10am, gosh, I must really need to catch up on sleep.
I kind of fasted all day because of the cheesecake, which is close to 900 calories a slice.
This meant 200-300 calorie meals all day.
I'm willing to do it this once, in order to enjoy a full slice with all the fixings.
But for the rest of the week I'll be taking a slice and dividing it into quarters. Good grief!
Breakfast was fat free Greek yogurt and raspberries, and an hour or so of data entry.
Lunch was egg whites, plain oatmeal (ok, a little jam on top, this is already Spartan enough), and more raspberries.
And more data entry.
Urrrrgh, all this just for a slice of cheesecake!
Around 2pm I made the stabilized whipped cream and gobbed it on, followed by Nilla crumbles.
Gonna toot my own horn and say that this looks magnificent.
Based on appearance alone, it could be sold in a bakery.
And turns out it tasted fantastic too.
I warmed the butterscotch sauce I'd made the night prior and drizzled it over each slice.
The slice pre-sauce, so you can see the lovely layers.
It was perfectly baked, creamy and rich. There were still distinguishable pieces of banana in the cake.
The fresh bananas provided a much-needed bite of freshness among all the pudding and cream cheese and whipped cream.
The crust was a little salty a little sweet (I still prefer a graham crust but this was good also).
Very glad that I made the butterscotch sauce even though it's not called for, it added a savory element and made every bite perfect.
I don't bake desserts often, being all health-conscious and whatnot.
But I'm VERY glad that I made this. It's a very special treat, and I learned a lot making it!
Also, here is the original video that inspired me to give it a try: (TikTok)
I separated out two slices to freeze, and once they are frozen solid I'll wrap them and bag them.
I'll continue to do that every few days this week.
I plan to eat only one more piece myself (cut into quarters and consumed over several days), but want to give Jameson a chance to eat as many slices as he'd like before they're all frozen.
We spent several hours digesting our decadent bricks of cream cheese, during which I did more data entry and Jameson watched the Cubs game. Eventually Jameson left for rehearsal and I practiced trombone. A big storm blew through so I couldn't go for a walk. Dinner was canned tuna, a slice of bread and 1/2 cup pumpkin. Stupid, delicious cheesecake. Worth it.
--------------------------------------------------
Sunday I woke up early, kind of restless.
I had breakfast and wrapped the two frozen cheesecake slices in parchment and then foil before sealing them in a ziploc.
They'll be joined by more soon.
About an hour of data entry, a Target run for some low sodium ham because I got Hawaiian sandwich bread and wanted to make uncrustables in the air fryer. A little cleaning and a little practicing.
The uncrustables turned out well, they're not exactly difficult.
They were nice toasted in the air fryer, with the cheese melting over the ham inside the bread.
But it'll also be fun to make them cold. Who doesn't like to play with their food?
It was a pretty slow day, I did about 3 hours of data entry total and can't remember doing anything else of note.
In the evening Jameson left for his last concert with Encore, and I followed shortly after because I wanted to support him.
This is Steinmetz Hall, a beautiful facility with amazing acoustics.
They've poured a lot of money into this setup and from what I can tell it's well worth it.
Hardly anyone was miked, yet the balance of sound was near-perfect even from my off-center seat.
I couldn't take pics during a performance of course, but the Encore ensemble cycled through hits, medleys, ballads, and instrumental works from popular musicals and shows. The soloists did an excellent job, and the full orchestra and 100-something member choir created this awesome wall of sound. It was a great experience and I'm glad I went. Support local arts!
As mentioned prior, Jameson is rather burnt out on performing, so sadly this wasn't a fun experience for him.
But I'm glad he got through it, I'm glad he participated, and I hope that taking a break from stuff like this will allow him to light a passion for other areas of interest for once. He's very talented and can do SO much, and I for one think he should explore that.
----------------------------------------------------------
Monday, I woke up fairly early with the intent of doing some data entry but got distracted because Jameson sent me a video for a cooking lunch box on TikTok. This is not a new topic...for the past year I think he's sent me 4-5 links related to products like this. He really seems to think I should get one!
I have to admit that it's VERY tempting.
I could cook and steam lots of things without hovering over a skillet.
I could bring it with me to rehearsals and have a hot meal waiting in the dressing room, for those times we get stuck at the theaters for dinner.
I could make oatmeal, rice, pasta, or eggs without having to stand there stirring and monitoring like I must do with the electric skillet.
And I've seen several videos of people both reheating leftovers, and cooking straight-up raw meat and vegetables in the Itaki unit.
The downside is that it IS rather large compared to the skillet, and to put it in my luggage would require a big reevaluation of what I carry with me. I could potentially store it in the band box that travels on a truck to each theater, but then I couldn't access it until after our opening night rehearsal, which ironically is probably when I'd need it the most.
Anyway, These are around $50 plus shipping which really isn't terrible, so I went ahead and got one.
Because I'm OVERSPENDING.
My excuse is that this is to appease Jameson :p
If it doesn't work out I'll send it back or simply use it to replace my dated rice cooker.
I did get around to data entry eventually, then did some weeding and some practicing.
Jameson had a lot of work to do today, and didn't get to leave his computer until after 5pm.
We had dinner and watched an episode of Forged in Fire before I had my Tootsie orientation meeting.
I'm actually halfway through it now, we're on a break.
There are a few changes so far, mostly having to do with covid protocols (they've lightened somewhat).
I wonder what else will be different this year!
--------------------------------------------------------------
Tomorrow I have discount court reporting, and Jameson is going to a Rays v. Cubs game with a friend, so after work I'm going to come home and clean for most of the night.
The day after that I have my "rescue" haircut. Wonder if I'll end up with a pixie cut....oof.
