Whew!!! The holidays are almost over. And as much as I love celebrating Christmas and Thanksgiving with my family, it is always a relief when it is over. Things get back to normal. The Baking slows down (now, that is really not a good thing….) and you can go back to a somewhat normal schedule. And so it is with TWD. What with family here, and shopping, and Christmas goodies, it was hard to fit Dorie in, too. I am almost ’sweeted’ out and am looking forward to some savories (and I see they are coming), but I could not forgo the Cheesecake since it is my all time favoritest (I know, it’s not a word!) dessert – EVER!!!
Following the lead of Caitlin of Engineer Baker (I like your new header, btw) I have started doing mini desserts. They are much easier on the thighs (KINDA) and they don’t last long with just the two of us (I don’t count the 18 year old Hunk living in my house, cause nothing lasts around him…. (even veggies)). From this recipe I got two 5″ minis, one 7″ almost mini and a ramekin of Cheesecake. 
The second mini and ramekin are in the oven now because I only have one 5″ springform. While baking the cheese cakes rose beautifully and cracked, and while cooling they fell ‘perfectly’. As you can see…. I have never had a cheese cake fall so much. But looks don’t count — remember! REMEMBER!!! The texture of the cheese cake was just right, however. The only playing around I did was to add some eggnog to the mix. I used 1/3 cup Sour Cream, 1/3 Cup Heavy Cream (recipe calls for 1 1/3 cup of one, the other, or mix of both) and 1/3 cup Eggnog. Since I had eggnog in the mix, I added some fresh grated nutmeg to the crust. What is eggnog without nutmeg. Sheeesh! 
I wish I had used more eggnog flavor, it was barely discernible in the cake. I have some eggnog concentrate somewhere…… Next time I will add more. It was good tho’. Thanks Anne of Anne Strawberry for choosing the Dories’ Tall and Creamy Cheese Cake.
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU OUT THERE. I APPRECIATE BEING PART OF YOUR BAKING WORLD.
Update on the cheese cakes. 
I made the other 2 cakes. One in a small cup and that crack was like Grand Canyon. Especially after it cooled and lost 1/2 its height.But O.M.G. the flavor is OUTSTANDING. The other 5″ came out perfect – with NO CRACKS. I couldn’t believe it. 
December 30, 2008 at 3:42 pm
This was absolutely the best cheesecake I have ever eaten.
December 30, 2008 at 5:48 pm
I totally agree! If it tastes great, nobody cares how it looks! I love your eggnog idea…
December 30, 2008 at 10:54 pm
We loved it here too. Happy New Year to you and your family!
December 31, 2008 at 12:02 am
Happy New Year! Your cheesecake looks delicious!
December 31, 2008 at 12:23 am
I usually put the pan on the bottom rack, but didn’t follow my gut on this one!!! Next time!
December 31, 2008 at 12:56 am
cheesecake looks heavenly. happy new year to u n hub, n the hunk!
December 31, 2008 at 1:08 am
My minis rose and fell like that too – so funny looking, but so tasty
And now that you’re entering the world of minis, it means you can make more different things, right? 
December 31, 2008 at 2:58 am
They all look perfect! I don’t care about cracks- it tastes good!!!
December 31, 2008 at 3:37 am
I always thought that cracks were part of the cheesecake! It never mattered to me. I finally got a taste, and it was REALLY good.
December 31, 2008 at 3:41 am
In a cup! You’re a smart lady.
December 31, 2008 at 4:27 am
Yep, yum! I’m thinking the falling is due to the cakes getting too much cold air when they are still in the cooling down stage. Did that make sense? They went from hot oven baking temp, to cooling oven left open, to room temperature. Can’t explain it, but I think that is why. But yep, still good!
December 31, 2008 at 4:38 am
HAHA! Cheesecake in a cup! You are awesome! Happy New Year, Tea Lady! xoxo
December 31, 2008 at 5:12 am
I agree, cheesecake in a cup is a fantastic idea. And who cares about the cracks? Taste is far more important!
December 31, 2008 at 4:56 pm
I’ve read a couple TWDers made eggnog cheesecake and I totally have to steal that idea for next Xmas! Love your cheesecake in a cup. So cute! I bet that would be adorable for a dinner party. I’ll have to remember that for my next party! Great job!
Clara @ iheartfood4thought
December 31, 2008 at 7:49 pm
I’m curious to as why some TwDers’ cheesecakes cracked and others didn’t. Did you do the waterbath? Regardless, flavor is all that matters, right?
I think the eggnog idea is perfect for the holidays, and I also love the mug cake.
December 31, 2008 at 9:17 pm
I passed on this one due to holiday chaos, but I’m definitely going to have to make it. Yours looks delicious, cracks or no cracks, it’s the taste that counts!
January 1, 2009 at 5:41 pm
Looks lovely. Cracks add character.
January 1, 2009 at 8:03 pm
Minis are definitely the way to go sometimes. =) Happy New Year!!
January 2, 2009 at 2:17 am
I agree – this was one fantastic cheesecake. I’m kind of shocked about that!
January 5, 2009 at 2:48 am
I so love the idea of baking some of the batter in cups. It would be so cute for a dinner party! Thanks for the idea.
January 7, 2009 at 1:05 am
I like your resourcefulness baking a mini cheesecake in cup! this recipe made a cheesecake lover out of me!
January 8, 2009 at 1:41 am
Ooooh these are lovely! I’m also very much sold on the mini dessert idea. Love the indiviudual decoration opportunity & the delightful expressions that follow! That cheesecake looks GREAT!