Helpful guide in baking homemade cheesecake the right way

Homemade cheesecake is one of the most favorite desserts all over the world because of its creamy texture and delicious taste. It consists of a sweet cookie crumb base and fresh cheese mixture on the upper layer. It is very rich in taste. It is served in small slices with extra toppings such as sweet glaze and whipped cream. Moreover, you can use other types of toppings of your choice such as nuts, fruits, grated chocolates, or caramel. Normally, you can find this dessert in restaurants and patisseries in almost every country all over the world. But the homemade ones are always more preferred than others that are available in the market.

There are some things that you need to consider when baking a homemade cheesecake. When baking, you have to be attentive to the instructions, the proper timing and the cooling method. It is very important that the finished product should be moistened.  And to achieve this desirable result, you have to ensure that it will not be over-baked. Over-baking the cake can make it very dry. It is common to find a soft spot at the center of the cake after the allowed time baking. However, you should not worry about this soft spot because it will be firm after you allow it to get cold.
You need to switch off the oven and leave the door open after baking time is over. You have to leave the cake to stand in the oven while its door is open until the cake has cooled completely. During this time, the soft spot at the center of the cake becomes firm. You can remove the cake from the oven and refrigerate it once it's cold.

The texture of the cake becomes very grainy when you over-bake it. Moreover, it will also crack and shrink as it cools down. The main indication that you used the appropriate method is when the cake's center will not crack. In order to make the perfect homemade cake, you have to make them a day before that you will need them. Baking them one day before you need them will make them just right that is creamy and firm. A firm cake is very easy to slice when serving.

The crumb base of the cheesecake is one of the parts that most people love. It is crunchy and creamy when the exact proportion in making it is followed correctly. The best proportion to use is 1:2 ratios. For every 1 cup of butter, you should mix 2 cups of crumbs. This is the best proportion that mixes the butter and the cookie crumbs that will create the best perfect texture.

The delights of literature

I remember fondly the many times I sat with my father as a wee one as Dad taught me how to read.  Both of my parents loved to read.

Sometimes I think reading is in my DNA.  I can't remember being without a book.  So it's no surprise reading became something important in my own household as I raised my children.  One of my favorite quotes on literature comes from C.S. Lewis:

Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It enriches the necessary competencies that daily life requires and provides; and in this respect, it irrigates the deserts that our lives have already become.

Scars

There is something liberating about living life to the fullest.  Those of us who live this way often incur scars on our bodies, hearts, and minds.  One author, Chris Cleve, encourages us to see our scars in a positive light:

I ask you right here please to agree with me that a scar is never ugly. That is what the scar makers want us to think. But you and I, we must make an agreement to defy them. We must see all scars as beauty. Okay? This will be our secret. Because take it from me, a scar does not form on the dying. A scar means, I survived.

 ― Chris Cleave, Little Bee

You Are Influential and Skilled

You are balanced, orderly, and organized. You like your ducks in a row. You are powerful and competent, especially in the workplace. You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy-going attitude brings people together. You are full of energy. You are spirited and boisterous. Success comes rather easily for you... especially in business and academia.  You're a strong person.

                                      Source:  BlogThings

Fast-tracking my career

I began my academic and professional career at the age of 18. I had no idea just how much technology would touch my life.

A few weeks before I started college, I accepted a position with a PBS station.  It was an entry-level position, which afforded me the opportunity of learning public television from the ground up.  As a full-time urban studies student, I worked 30 hours per week. 

Broadcasting had not been on my career radar, but it didn't take long for the bug to bite.  I spent four years in public TV, working primarily in instructional TV and production.  Instructional television fed my need to be involved in education.  The production department afforded me the opportunity to use my research and writing skills.

After completing four years of public TV, I moved on to public radio, where I worked another four years.  Initially, I was hired for an office position, but within a year, I was also working Saturday nights as a news reporter.  About eight months later, my job changed completely.  I was promoted to announcer/producer, working in virtually every area of radio production. 

For me, radio was Disneyland.  It was fun.  Still, if you're serious about broadcasting (and I was), you have to be prepared to work long hours and odd hours.  In my case, I hit the floor running, announcing music, producing news, and producing public affairs.

By this time, I was married with two small children.  My children were born into my profession.  Sometimes I wonder how I did it all.  I suppose youth has some advantages.  Someone else might conclude that it's amazing what you'll do when you're young and stupid!

Lots of things

I appreciate the guest post, Jewel Rodgers

There are a lot of things to get done every single day around here running smoothly is crucial. I spend a lot of time worrying about whether or not my technology is up to date but what I really need to focus on is finding a faster Internet solution for the office.

I know some of my employees have been complaining about how slow the Internet is at the office but to be honest with you there's only so much I can do about it without spending a small fortune getting it upgraded. I think the best solution is going to be finding something online and running it by my IT guy who comes in once a week to make sure everything is running smoothly.

I know my employees would really appreciate it if I would just pony up for better Internet but I feel like there is more to it than that. They don't understand that I have to write a check for every single thing that goes into this business!

Reflecting on Don Cornelius

It was about 6:30 a.m. local time as I sat in the kitchen with my husband.  I was scanning my email when I saw a news alert from the Los Angeles Times:  "Breaking: 'Soul Train' creator Don Cornelius found dead."  The story went on to say that Cornelius apparently died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. 

"Noooooooooooooo!"  I screamed.

Hubby quickly happened what had happened, but I was too busy seeking more details to answer him.
My mind was flooded with memories of watching 'Soul Train' during my adolescent years.  There was nothing else like it on the air.  It was a program that my parents watched, too.

The news really bummed me out, especially since Cornelius apparently experienced a violent death.  No, I didn't know him, but when someone is in your home every week via TV, he kind of becomes a part of the family, anyway.   I was a shy girl and didn't dance, but I like Don's cool persona.

Upon hearing of Cornelius' death, music icon Quincy Jones spoke with The Associated Press:

I am shocked and deeply saddened at the sudden passing of my friend, colleague and business partner Don Cornelius. Don was a visionary pioneer and a giant in our business. Before MTV there was ‘Soul Train.’ That will be the great legacy of Don Cornelius. His contributions to television, music and our culture as a whole will never be matched.

The Jackson 5, Ike and Tina Turner, James Brown, Marvin Gaye -- anybody who was anybody in
R & B sought a place on the 'Soul Train' stage.  In later years, even rap group Public Enemy made an appearance.   I think Cornelius was ambivalent about rap initially, but other hip hop artists landed an appearance on the show.  Even my favorite Brit, Elton John, graced the stage.  I got a respite from sadness when I found a video where Cornelius introduces a young Al Green singing one of my favorite songs.

I've viewed a few dynamic videos today that demonstrate how 'Soul Train' ushered in a new era and made its mark on American pop culture.  Anyone who watched 'Soul Train' regularly will remember the host's famous sign off: "You can bet your last money, it's all gonna be a stone gas, honey! I'm Don Cornelius, and as always in parting, we wish you love, peace and soul!"

Mr. Cornelius was 75.   He will be missed.

An unusual parent-teacher encounter

It was a busy day for my daughter, "Elizabeth."  Today my grandson turned six.  My daughter, his mother, paid a visit to his school after work, taking cupcakes for the whole kindergarten class.  Of course, she was an instant hit with the kids.  (Note:  Elizabeth is African-American, and she lives in the suburbs.  The teacher is white.)

When the party was over, it was time for the students to go to gym.  My daughter started packing up to go home.  The teacher, Ms. Endicott, asked my daughter if she had met the gym teacher.  My daughter had not, so the teacher encouraged Elizabeth to walk with the class to the gymnasium.

Along the way, Ms. Endicott asked my daughter if she had any more children.  "No," Elizabeth said. 

The teacher, now wearing a big smile, said, "Oh, you must meet our gym teacher, Mr. Johnson.  He's very nice."

My daughter said, "I'm sure he is, but I'm sure he's very busy.  Maybe another time."

Ms. Endicott persisted.  "Oh, no!  It will only take a moment.  Besides, he's really, really nice."  By the time my daughter's thinking that this was a bit awkward.

One little blond-haired girl overheard the conversation, and cheerfully jumped into the conversation.  "Yeah, Mr. Johnson is really nice.  He's black!"

By this time, everyone had reached the gym, and my daughter met Mr. Johnson.  She said that Ms. Endicott stood back and nodded her head as the gym teacher and my daughter exchanged pleasantries.

"Mom, it was so weird," Elizabeth told me later.  She had never had a teacher try to set her up with a guy before. 

My response:  "Ewwww!"

Nice new neighbors

Authored by Leandro Delgado

We had just moved onto a new street when or new neighbor suggested we go to http://www.tvbydirect.com/ to set up our satellite service. They actually came to our front door with some fresh-baked cookies to welcome us to the neighborhood when we started chatting. I was so grateful that at our new house we would have good neighbors.

I know that these days people pretty much keep to themselves and don’t care much about who lives next door as long as they aren’t being bothered. On our old street we had the worst neighbors ever. They would always leave trash in their yard and be really loud and inconsiderate. I think this experience traumatized me a little bit so I’m extra happy that I know we have people close by we can talk to and ask for advice.

It makes life so much more pleasant when people around you are nice. We had hoped this would happen when we decided to move but half thought that inconsiderate people have started to be the norm. We were pleasantly surprised by our helpful new neighbors!

Quote of the week

"Teachers matter. So instead of bashing them, or defending the status quo, let's offer schools a deal. Give them the resources to keep good teachers on the job, and reward the best ones. In return, grant schools flexibility: To teach with creativity and passion; to stop teaching to the test; and to replace teachers who just aren't helping kids learn. That's a bargain worth making." - President Obama in his State of the Union address.

Source:  WhiteHouse.gov

Bridge building in education

A new publication, You Can't Do It Alone, gives school leaders tips on what they can do to more successfully engage stakeholders in areas such as reforming teacher evaluation, turning around low-performing schools, and building support for world-class standards.  Learn more:
https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781610483001

Artist of the computer kind

I appreciate this guest post from Marian Combs

Who would have thought that living here would inspire me to become an artist? Well, not a paint and canvas kind of artist but the graphic design kind – I love owning my own business and working for myself! I can only imagine what my life would be like if I still had to sit in a cubicle all day and stare at a computer screen to make money…I can’t believe I ever lived that kind of life!

I got wireless internet Seattle to help me communicate with my customers from my home office and I met with an accountant to make sure I had all the logistics under control before I got started. I thank God everyday I moved here and met Sam who encouraged me to follow my dreams because with his support, both emotional and financial, I never would have been able to do this for a living. I can’t imagine doing anything else and I’m happier than I’ve ever been so I can be grateful for everything I’ve got in life!

Nine states to share early learning grant

Studies show that youngsters who participate in strong early childhood programs have a much greater chance of succeeding in their academic and professional careers.  Public schools are trying to stay ahead of the game.

Nine states will get a chance to jump-start their early childhood initiatives, thanks to $500 million in federal grant money.  The funds are available through the U.S. Department of Education's program, Race to the Top.  In this initiative, states compete for federal dollars to create programs that make schools more effective.  The $500 million will be shared by the following states:

• California
• Delaware
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Minnesota
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Rhode Island
• Washington

A long-term study by the Chicago Public Schools found that "children who attended a high quality early childhood program were more likely to graduate from high school, more likely to stay out of jail and less likely to abuse drugs or alcohol than students who did not attend such a program."

Sources: The Associated Press, Chicago Tribune

My own boss

Guest post by Aldo Mays

Being my own boss is something I always thought I might do but I had no idea how it would actually come to fruition. I never had a ton of extra cash, and it took me decades to figure out what I was good at. But look at me now – I own my own graphic T-shirt company, and I’m actually turning a profit!

I’ve had to learn as I go about stuff like bank card processing and human resources and tax laws – you don’t learn about any of that stuff when you don’t go to college (and I’m not so sure you learn it in college, either!) -- but I think I’m pulling my weight and starting to feel more confident about being a good businessperson. I like having total control over what I put out there.

I try really hard to be a good boss.  I know how important it is to keep morale high and people interested in working for you. That’s why I finally struck out on my own!

Polical humor

Conan O'Brien: "Telemundo is going to make history. It will host its first ever Republican presidential debate. Yeah. This could be nice. The Republican candidates will take questions from journalists and then have them deported."

Conan O'Brien: "Occupy Wall Street's been getting a lot of attention. And it's been reported that it has now raised more than $300,000. Which means, which means technically now they have to protest themselves."

Source: U.S. News & World Report

Are guidance counselors facing burnout?

At most local high schools, counselors used to check in with students to make sure they were taking the right classes and had the grades they'd need to graduate on time. It's not that simple anymore. High school counselors across the country face growing caseloads. At the same time, students need their help more than ever -- whether it's applying to college or meeting more complex graduation requirements.

The American School Counselor Association recommends a student-to-counselor ratio of about 250 to 1, but it's nearly twice that at many high schools. In addition, counselors have to help students with a growing array of personal struggles. Many are homeless or living in poverty. More experience mental illness or have more complex medical or developmental disorders. Details from the Seattle Times.


Tags: Counselors, Education, Education by Sistrunk

Shopping for that special day

This guest post is from Lu Beck.

I'm a mom with two kid. Holiday shopping, especially for Easter or Valentine's Day, involves buying candy and maybe a small toy for them. I try to remember my husband and find something that he'll really enjoy, but money is tight and often we choose to do something together for the holiday. Instead of surprising each other with flowers or chocolates, we often go out to dinner together.

It's nice to have a date night with just the two of us; doing this allows us to reconnect. Parenthood doesn't often allow for alone couple time, so for Valentine's Day we really try to have a night out together. I usually surprise my kids earlier in the day with their gift. My kids are great and are appreciative of presents that they receive. This Easter I may surprise my husband with a small, affordable present. I was thinking maybe a CD or a movie. I usually shop at Target or Wal-Mart for these types of gifts. I may look for a romantic movie or CD to celebrate the spirit of the holiday.

I'm glad I added my home security alarm to my home a year ago. I always set the alarm from http://www.Allhomesecurity.com before we leave the house to go to dinner and I can feel confident that our home is in safe hands.

Involved parents = student success

All parents want their children to succeed in school. Research reveals that children whose parents are involved in their kids' education are more likely to succeed. But for many parents, it is hard to know how or when to start.

Today's parents work long hours, extra jobs and must handle a host of other responsibilities. Resources such as Parent Information Resource Centers (PIRCs) offer assistance in many states. Many community centers also provide help. By all means, do not overlook your child's school, which can provide a wealth of information.

Education starts at home. Kids spend most of their waking hours outside of school. Rose Jackson-Beavers, an author and director of parent services for the Parent Engagement and Empowerment Center in St. Louis, believes that even busy parents can take an active role in their child's education. According to Jackson-Beavers, the benefits of ongoing parent involvement are substantial.

"A parent's opportunity to get involved in their child's education doesn't end the moment that child walks into the classroom," said Jackson-Beavers. "Studies show that children with involved parents have more positive learning experiences. This translates into better academic performance, higher grades and test scores. I know our parents can make this happen with a little help."

Here are tips on how busy parents can work smart:

- Send your child to school well-fed and rested.
- Stay on top of homework.
- Attend open house or back-to-school night at your child's school. It's the perfect time to meet your child's teacher. If you have to work, schedule a meeting with the teacher at another time.
- Go to parent-teacher conferences.
- Each day, ask your children what they are learning at school. Discuss it with them or have them explain it.
- Set high expectations for your children. Encourage them to do their best.
- Get involved in your school's parent-teacher organization, and find out other ways you can support your child's school.

Missouri parents offer their own advice on best practices. Kim Brand is the mother of a middle school student. She also taught elementary school for 22 years in a suburban school district. Family friends notice that Brandon and her daughter, Maggie, always work together as a team. They even tackle homework at the hair salon!

"I learned right away to be the best teacher you could be for your child at home," said Brand. "Don't ever stop working with your child. Anytime my daughter has homework, I am involved in it." Brand emphasizes that the effort comes with rewards. Maggie now carries a 4.0 grade point average.

Another mom, Leslie Smith, encourages parents to establish ongoing communication with their children. Kids will talk to me before they will talk to their mom or dad," Smith stated. "They are afraid to talk to their parents." Smith says it is important that parents listen to their kids.

Dee Crump has the experience of being a mother, a grandmother, and a foster mom. She says that when she was raising her own children, her job made it difficult for her to be active in school.

Nevertheless, Crump emphasizes, "You definitely need to develop a relationship with the teacher. Let the teacher know that you really care about your child's education."
Crump, who is proud of her adult kids, now raises two foster children.

Bottom line: When parents are involved in their children's education, kids do better in school.

Additional Resources:

• Parent Information and Resource Centers
  
• U.S. Department of Education
  
• National PTA
  
• NEA Parent Resources
  
• National Coalition for Parent Involvement in Education
  
• Parents as Teachers

Tags: Education, Parents, Student Achievement, K-12, Sistrunk World

Website offers the skinny on auto repair

A relative recently gave my daughter her first vehicle. It's a few years old and has been sitting for a while. Of course, it needs repairs. My daughter's a novice when it comes to repair shops, so her dad and I are giving her tips on how to deal with auto repair shops.

Hubby and I will probably pitch in financially to help. Routine maintenance is important, we've told our daughter. Hopefully, we won't be emptying our bank accounts to get this car into shape.

If you live in the Dallas area, online assistance is available to help you identify shops that provide Dallas auto repair. RepairPal.com offers a number of free resources. For instance, if you need a brake job, all you have to do is fill out an easy form to learn the estimated cost. In addition, you can quickly locate auto repair shops near you.

RepairPal.com also offers owner ratings and reviews on virtually any type of car or truck. One of my dreams is to buy a used truck as our second vehicle, so I’m definitely interested in this feature.

Say, for instance, you owned a Chevrolet Silverado. Enter the year of your vehicle on the online form, and discover lots of valuable information. Read other owners’ reviews and ratings. With a few mouse clicks, you can learn common problems associated with the vehicle. You can even check for automaker recalls.

RepairPal takes the mystery out of auto repair. The site is user-friendly and free. If you live in Dallas, check it out.


Sponsored Post - Original Content Created by Sistrunk Journal

Football!

Guest post by Lenny McKnight

Yea! Football season is finally here! It is our five-year-old's first year playing flag football. We are so excited to watch him! He has been talking about this all summer!

I tell ya, there is some serious planning before we can even get out the door, though. Knowing that we are going to spend all day at the fields, we have to pack the coolers, bring the lawn chairs, get everyone dressed and ready, set the house alarm system (click here for more), and head out the door before 9:00 a.m. It is quite the task for all five of us, but we love it!

This past weekend was his first game, and he did great! He is still learning the rules of the game, but he had such an awesome time. It is so fun to see all of the little guys out there chasing one another. Sometimes they were running in the right direction, and sometimes they weren't. You couldn't help but laugh and cheer for them anyway. He and his friends even do a touchdown dance in the end zone.

What a great memory! I can't wait to watch him again next week!