The Cheesecake Factory and Tips

Have you been there? Have you devoured one of their cheesecakes?  Sadly, I have not but I really want to and I know you’re gonna laugh but I had no idea that served other food as well.  Hey, that’s the sheltered life of a country gal!

They have locations everywhere and even a couple down by Houston where I’ll be going in a week so maybe I can swing by and try one out!

Right now they’re having a contest that might interest you called Share the Celebration where you can win the following:

• o Trip for 4 to Florida – Airfare, Hotel, Disney Resort Passes and $1,000
• o Chance to win a $25 gift card, $500 in gift cards
• o Cheesecake for ONE YEAR!!

You can win a $25 Gift Card to The Cheesecake Factory by visiting their site and telling me which cheesecake you would try!  Just leave your comment below and you’re entered!

Additional ways to enter, leaving each one in a separate comment please.

• Fave me at Technorati
• Subscribe to my Newsletter
• Subscribe to my blog via email or RSS reader

Both the cheesecake factory and my own giveaway here Ends on June 30th so hurry!

Should you decide to make your own cheesecake, here are some tips to help you create the perfect cheesecake!

CHEESECAKE TIPS

• * Bring all ingredients to room temperature before mixing.
• * To soften cream cheese in the microwave: place unwrapped 8 oz. cheese in a microwavable bowl and microwave on high for 15 seconds. Add 15 seconds for each additional bar of cheese.
• * Mix filling only until combined. Don’t over mix.
• * Use a spring form pan so that the sides can be removed.
• * Place spring form pan on a shallow pan, like a pizza pan , or cover bottom and up one inch around the sides with aluminum foil to avoid leaks in the oven.
• * Place a shallow pan of water in rack below cheesecake to keep oven moist
• * A perfectly baked cheesecake will be puffed around the edges. When shaken, about an inch in diameter in the center should jiggle.
• * Store in the refrigerator, loosely covered, for up to four days.
• * The bottom of the pan can be removed from the cheesecake once the cake has firmed in the refrigerator. Use two spatulas to move cake to serving platter.
• * Cheesecakes taste best when brought to room temperature–about 30 minutes.
• * Securely wrap an already firm, about 4 hours in the refrigerator, cheesecake to be put in the freezer. Cheesecakes can be kept for up to 2 months in the freezer.
• * Thaw frozen cheesecake overnight in the refrigerator.