Hello Foodie Friends, Cheesecake is one of the most popular and beloved desserts in the world. It has a rich history, a variety of flavors, and a creamy texture that melts in your mouth. But did you know that there is a special day dedicated to celebrating this delicious treat? That’s right, July 30th is National Cheesecake Day!
The earliest known cheesecakes were made by the Greek physician Aegimus (5th century BCE), who wrote a book on the art of making cheesecakes who used a mixture of cheese, honey, and wheat flour.
Cheesecake was also popular in ancient Rome, where it was often served as a dessert at banquets. The Romans introduced cheesecake to other parts of Europe, and it eventually made its way to the Americas.
In the 1870s, a dairyman named William Lawrence from Chester, New York, created a new type of cheese called cream cheese. This cheese was softer and more spreadable than other cheeses, and it made for a better cheesecake. As a result, cheesecake became increasingly popular in the United States.
Today, cheesecake is enjoyed all over the world. There are endless variations of cheesecake, from classic New York cheesecake to more creative flavors like chocolate, fruit, and even savory cheesecakes. Cheesecake is a delicious and versatile dessert that can be enjoyed on any occasion.
In honor of National Cheesecake Day, here are five cheesecakes and their perfect wine, cocktail, and beer pairings:
New York cheesecake: This classic cheesecake is made with cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. It’s baked in a springform pan and has a smooth, creamy texture. The perfect wine pairing for this cheesecake would be a Sauvignon Blanc because it has a citrusy flavor that can complement the cheesecake’s creaminess. Pilsner is a light and crisp beer that has a refreshing flavor that can help to balance out the richness of the cheesecake. A classic Old-Fashioned cocktail is made with whiskey, bitters, and sugar, and it has a rich and complex flavor that can pair well with the cheesecake.
Chocolate cheesecake: This rich and decadent cheesecake is made with chocolate cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and cocoa powder. It’s topped with chocolate ganache or whipped cream. The best wine pairing for chocolate cheesecake is a sweet and fruity red wine, such as a port, a zinfandel, or a merlot. The best beer pairing is a dark and malty beer, such as a stout, a porter, or a brown ale. These beers enhance the chocolate notes of the cheesecake, while providing some bitterness and carbonation to balance the sweetness. The best cocktail pairing for chocolate cheesecake is a creamy and indulgent cocktail, such as a white Russian, a mudslide, or a chocolate martini. These cocktails echo the smooth and velvety texture of the cheesecake, while adding some alcohol and complexity to the mix.
Strawberry cheesecake: This fruity and flavorful cheesecake is made with cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and fresh strawberries. It’s often topped with a strawberry glaze or whipped cream. A sweet sparkling wine, such as Moscato d’Asti or Asti Spumante, can complement the creamy texture and fruity flavor of the cheesecake and the bubbles also help cleanse the palate and balance the richness of the dessert. A fruity lambic beer, such as Framboise or Kriek, can enhance the strawberry flavor and add a refreshing tartness to contrast the sweetness of the cheesecake. A strawberry daiquiri, made with fresh strawberries, rum, lime juice and sugar, can create a harmonious flavor combination with the cheesecake. The rum adds a hint of spice and warmth, while the lime juice adds a touch of acidity and brightness.
Key lime cheesecake: This tart and refreshing cheesecake is made with key lime juice, cream cheese, eggs, and sugar. It’s often topped with whipped cream and lime zest. A perfect wine pairing for Key lime cheesecake is a sweet Riesling, which balances the tartness of the lime and the creaminess of the cheese. A refreshing beer option is a Belgian Witbier, which has citrus and spice notes that complement the dessert. A cocktail that goes well with Key lime cheesecake is a mojito, which has lime, mint and rum flavors that enhance the cake.
Peanut butter cheesecake: This decadent cheesecake is made with peanut butter, cream cheese, eggs, and sugar. It’s often topped with chocolate ganache or whipped cream. A perfect wine pairing for peanut butter cheesecake is a sweet and fruity Riesling, which can balance the richness and saltiness of the dessert. A great beer choice for peanut butter cheesecake is a chocolate stout, which can complement the creamy texture and nutty flavor of the cake. A delicious cocktail to enjoy with peanut butter cheesecake is a peanut butter cup martini, which can enhance the decadence and sweetness of the dish.
Cheesecake is more than just a dessert, it is a symbol of celebration, comfort, and happiness. It can brighten up any occasion. It can also help you cope with stress, sadness, or boredom. Cheesecake is a versatile and satisfying dessert that can suit any mood and taste.
So, how will you celebrate National Cheesecake Day? Will you try a new flavor, a new recipe, or a new place? Whatever you choose, make sure to enjoy every bite of this classic dessert. Happy National Cheesecake Day!
Until we eat (and drink) again…
I send you Delicious Wishes, xo
Denise
