Home And Family USA

Many moms and dads across the world right now are having empty-nest syndrome. Suddenly, the once noisy household that was bustling with busy schedules and teenagers isn’t quite so hectic anymore. Those teenagers have left for college. Not only do the moms and dads feel a bit lost without their child under the same roof, but the college students can feel homesick as well. One of the best ways to stay in touch with your college student and put a smile on their faces are to send care packages. Those care packages can sometimes mean more than a parent will ever know.

My mom used to send care packages every few weeks to me. I absolutely loved receiving them and my roommates were always envious of the fact that my mom took the time to do something so sweet for me. The care packages were always filled with goodies that were inhaled in no time at all. She’d send candy bars, cookies, crackers and my favorite granola bars. Every so often she’d put some surprises in the care packages that weren’t anything expensive but things that I needed. She’d send disposable cameras or a pack of new pens or markers. Sometimes the care packages contained seasonal items like Christmas decorations or new slippers. I loved her care packages. Now that I’m all grown up, I miss getting those familiar care packages.

College students are not the only ones who may be needing care packages. We have many oversea soldiers who could use some necessary items and some things from home. Those soldiers don’t have the luxuries of many of the simple things we take for granted. Care packages for soldiers can be purchased through organizations such as USO even if you do not have any loved ones currently overseas. Those soldiers are over there defending our country and care packages are excellent ways to thank them for that.

Some of the care packages could contain prepaid calling cards, sunscreen, disposable cameras and toiletries. Many soldiers appreciate when care packages have letters or cards in them letting them know that people are thinking of them even when they are not at home. Care packages might also include some favorite snacks or smaller items. I’ve known some soldiers that have received footballs in their care packages and absolutely loved it. Those recipients have told me how nice it is to be able to throw a football around with some fellow soldiers and relax quite a bit. Just remember that care packages are always welcomed by people no matter where they are or what they are doing. Fill them with goodies and lots of love.

Cheesecake is one of those desserts that you either like or you don’t like. It seems that despite it’s name, this decadent dessert more closely resembles a pie than a cake, and there are lots of different variations. There is a great recipe appropriate for every menu because it is the most classic dessert of all time. Everywhere you go, there is some type of cheesecake offered on the menu and why not, it’s simply delicious. Fruit toppings like strawberries, cherries, raspberries or blueberries are very tasty, as well as chocolate, nuts, coconut, caramel, and lots of other creative additions. A decadent finale to any meal, so be sure to save plenty of room for your favorite kind. If you’re really a fanatic, then you must check out the Cheesecake Factory, a unique upscale casual dining restaurant featuring an indulgent selection of specialty cheesecakes. You’ll be so overwhelmed by the choices you won’t be able to decide!

Typically cheesecake is a sweet, cheese based dessert, with a creamy filling in a pie shell or graham cracker crust. The filling is traditionally made with eggs, egg whites, sugar, cream and a soft fat like cream cheese, but ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, or havarti can also be used. Cheesecake can be plain or have some very creative flavorings added to dress it up a little. Vanilla, white or dark chocolate, fruit, and various liquors make the dish even more indulgent. The crust is usually pastry, cookie, or graham cracker depending on the recipe and some variations require a spring form pan to keep the eggs from coagulating in the center. Most recipes are similar to a degree, but with slight variations in ingredients and cooking methods to create distinct tastes and textures. If you don’t bake much, there’s always the “no bake cheesecake”. Just whip up the filling in a bowl, throw it in a pre-made crust, and let it set up in the fridge for a bit.

If you like to cook, check out a great collection of cheesecake recipes at www.thatsmyhome.com, including Margarita, Upside Down Jack Daniels Double Chocolate, Fuzzy Navel, White Chocolate Cranberry, Swirled Pumpkin and Caramel, candy recipes and more. All of these cheesecakes can be made ahead of time and frozen, then thawed in the refrigerator. Just add fruit or garnish before serving. If you’re not up to making your own, just go to Cheesecake.com where you can find a large gourmet selection, made from scratch and pre-sliced, in over 26 traditional and specialty flavors made fresh to order. So there you have it, or you will have it soon, won’t you? Who could resist the cheesecake temptation after reading this?