Pumpkin Cheesecake for the Holidays

by Laura Weaver

The Holidays will soon be here along with all of the accompanying social events.  Cheesecake is a delicious choice to serve at all of these special occasions.  There is nothing else quite like cheesecake.  The delicious, rich flavor and creamy, smooth texture is a taste sensation that makes cheesecake a dessert that actually compliments the flavor of other foods.  Cheesecake also tastes wonderful by itself or with any beverage of choice:  coffee, tea, punch, eggnog, or that special" beverage you enjoy.   

Cheesecake comes in a variety of flavors, as well.  Among those enticing flavors are Turtle Cheesecake, New York Cheesecake, Chocolate Cheesecake, and Pumpkin Cheesecake, my personal favorite.  The Fall Season doesn't begin until the pumpkins are ripe and served!  The hearty flavor of pumpkin mixed with the familiar spices of nutmeg, cinnamon, and allspice combined with the tangy sweetness and distinct texture of cheesecake make Pumpkin Cheesecake a virtual taste sensation like no other.  Who wouldn't just love to eat a Pumpkin Cheesecake this Holiday Season?  It is the epitome of the beginning of the Holiday Season.   

The appearance of Pumpkin Cheesecake can be enhanced with a few simple "garnishing" touches.  Simply place two or three cinnamon sticks in the center of the Pumpkin Cheesecake. Then sprinkle ground cinnamon mixed with granular sugar around the edges of the Pumpkin Cheesecake.  Not only does the cinnamon compliment the flavor of the Pumpkin Cheesecake, it adds appealing color, as well. 

Another appetizing idea for serving Pumpkin Cheesecake is simply place a few colorful candy corn pieces along with a shake or two of yellow, orange and white sugar on top of each slice.  As the month of December approaches, Pumpkin Cheesecake can be decorated with red, green, and white icing.  What a lasting festive impression serving such a cheesecake would have on your friends and family this Holiday Season.   

Cheesecake is an easy dessert to take to any Holiday event.  Storing Pumpkin Cheesecake in your freezer for a few weeks prior to the Holiday Season, or in your refrigerator for several days before the scheduled Holiday event eliminates the frantic attempt to prepare something at the last minute.  The ease in preparing, transporting, and serving Pumpkin Cheesecake for your Holiday party paves the way for an enjoyable, stress-free time.  Pumpkin Cheesecake is a delicious and delightful dessert to welcome your Holiday Season.