Wow! Seems like we just brought you home from the hospital, a tiny little baby all wrapped in blankets. How did the years go by so fast?!?!? I can't believe you are turning 24 today. It has been 24 wonderful years for your Dad and I, we are so grateful to God for letting us be part of the lives of two fabulous children! Because I'm a sentimental mom, I've been looking back at birthday photos. Here are a few I'd like to share with you.
Here you are celebrating your first birthday at the Tonn's. Harriet made your cake! We also had a "party" with Donald Mathers and Steven Langmaack, you were all born around the same time and celebrated birthdays together for years. You took your first steps on the day you turned 1 year old.
We spent your second birthday at the Minnesota Zoo with Aunt Shirley and Uncle Dwight. You loved going to see the animals. Looks like you had a Rice Krispie treat for a b-day cake!
Be careful blowing out those candles Sweetie! We celebrated birthday number three with family on the Sunday that Tyler was dedicated at church. What a big day! You loved being a big sister!
On your fourth birthday you celebrated with Kelly and your little friends at a "Peter Pan" party. Aunt Shirley painted the cake topper for your cake! You still have it in your room and Peter Pan is still one of your favorite books!
Last year we celebrated your special day with our "in-town family". I am so grateful for all the people, family and friends, in your life who have surrounded you with love. As you celebrate today, remember YOU ARE LOVED!
Part of your celebrating in the past few years has included cheesecake. Today will be no different. Chocolate Chip Cookie-Dough Cheesecake has become one of our favorite recipes and it is definitely celebration worthy! Enjoy it tonight with your friends! Happy Birthday Emily!!!
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake
Ingredients
- 1-3/4 cups crushed chocolate chips cookies or chocolate wafer crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
FILLING:- 3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
COOKIE DOUGH:- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1-1/2 cups miniature semisweet chocolate chips, divided
Directions
- In a small bowl, combine cookie crumbs and sugar; stir in butter. Press onto the bottom and 1 in up the sides of a greased 9-in. pan. Place pan on a baking sheet; set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs; beat on low just until combined. Add sour cream and vanilla; beat just until blended. Pour over crust; set aside.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugars on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add water and vanilla. Gradually add flour. Stir in 1 cup chocolate chips. Drop dough by teaspoonfuls over filling, gently pushing dough below surface (dough should be completely covered by filling). Place pan on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 350° for 45-55 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight.
- Remove sides of pan. Sprinkle with remaining chips. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 12-14 servings.
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