Amazing No Bake Cheesecake

I'm so sorry for the long break. I'm sure it's been hard to cope without my wonderful posts. Life has been pretty busy here. Does this smile not tell it all?

Don't let the adorable face fool you, he's a handful! I'm having a very hard time figuring out how to get everything done that I need to while still staying sane. Any suggestions?

After my husband and I were first married I made him a cheesecake. Of course he said it was wonderful, but I quickly learned it wasn't like his "mom's cheesecake". I had made cheesecakes before and always worried about them cracking and looking good. Plus, they have to cool after and really set up. My mother-in-law had a wonderfully easy recipe that you just freeze instead of bake. This one does take some time to set up, but at least you don't have to worry about cracking. Plus, I think it tastes much better than baked cheesecake. I've seen different versions of this recipe, but this is the best one I've tried.

No Bake Cheesecake

- 2 (8 oz.) pkgs. of cream cheese

- 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk

- 1 tsp. vanilla

- 1/3 c. lemon juice

- 1 graham cracker pie crust

- 1 can fruit pie filling (optional)

Cream together cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk. Add vanilla and lemon juice and mix until there are no lumps (this is important!). Pour into the graham cracker crust. Freeze until firm. I always leave it in the freezer overnight, so I'm not sure how long this takes. Remove from freezer about a half hour before serving. Top with pie filling.

Serves: 8

(Source: D. P.)

Matty's Cheese Ball

For my first recipe I thought I would share a nice easy appetizer with you! It is an amazing cheese ball that goes great with almost any cracker.

Cream Cheese Ball

-16 oz cream cheese

-1 small can of crushed pineapple (it's about the size of a normal tuna can)

-1 minced green pepper (a smaller one is better)

-1/4 cup minced onion

-1 tsp seasoning salt (such as Lawry's)

-1 cup crushed pecans (or almonds or whatever you prefer)

-Crackers of choice

Drain the pineapple. Mix everything together but half of the pecans (set aside for later). I just use my hand to do this but you might try a food processor if you have one. Shape the lump into 2 balls (or 1 your choice) and roll them over the remaining pecans. I really like the toll house crackers, or club crackers with it. It's so good!

(Source: Matt W.)