Basically Delicious Cheesecake

My mother was a fabulous cook, and my Dad knew it. He made sure she always had whatever ingredients she needed to make wonderful meals and desserts for us when I was growing up. My parents lived through the Depression years and had often gone without food we take for granted today, eating only the most basic food items like beans, potatoes and bologna as children. When they married and left those years behind, my Dad vowed never to go hungry again. He made sure our shelves and freezer were stocked with plenty of good things to eat and cook with. And my mother would cook and bake to her heart's content.
One thing we all especially loved was Cheesecake. It seemed like the ultimate indulgence, with its rich, creamy texture and buttery graham cracker crust. There are many versions out there, but I like my cheesecake simple. Here is my favorite cheesecake recipe, which I am calling:
BASICALLY DELICIOUS CHEESECAKE

Crust:
1 1/2 c. Honeymaid brand graham cracker crumbs (I buy them already crushed now)
3 Tbsp. sugar
4. Tbsp. butter, melted
Filling:
3 8oz. pkg. Philadelphia brand cream cheese
1 c. Breakstone's or Knudsen's sour cream
1 c. granulated sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp. grated lemon peel
4 eggs
Topping:
1 c. Breakstone or Knudsen's sour cream

Directions:
Preheat over to 325 degrees
Mix melted butter, 3 Tbsp. sugar and graham cracker crumbs together in a bowl, and press into the bottom and a little up the sides of a springform pan.

Beat together : cream cheese, sour cream, 1 c. sugar, lemon peel and vanilla until smooth. Pour over crust in springform pan.

Bake for 55 min or until set. Let cool. Remove sides from springform pan and put cheesecake on serving plate. Top with 1 c. sour cream.

Holiday Cheese Ball

Every year we host a big caroling party at our house on the Monday before Christmas. Everyone who comes brings a side dish or two, and I make a big pot of corn chowder for the group. A friend of mine makes a big pot of chili, and after the carolers have worked up a good appetite they all crowd into the kitchen to line up for the bowls of soup and chili we start ladling out. The table is always covered with wonderful holiday offers like Christmas cookies and nut breads, cheese and crackers, dips, cornbread and more.
Here is a recipe for a Christmas Cheese Ball that would be perfect for any holiday gathering.

Cheese Ball For Christmas

2 8 oz. pkgs. cream cheese
8 oz. can crushed pineapple, drained
1/4 c. mixed red and green bell peppers, finely chopped
2 tbsp. finely chopped onion or finely sliced green onion
1 c. chopped pecans + 1 c. chopped pecans for rolling in

Mix all ingredients together except 2nd c. of pecans. Form into one large ball or several smaller balls. Roll in remaining cup of chopped pecans to coat.

Serve with seasoned crackers or savory breads.