Mimi's Cheesecake

As a kid growing up in the wonderful small town of Levelland, TX there were many predictable things to count on happening: a) there would be drama and gossip b) you went to church every Sunday morning, evening, and Wednesday night c) Daddy would come to your rescue for every pickle you got yourself in and d) Mom always cooked dinner and occasionally some of the best desserts!

My mom cooked dinner every night unless there was some unusual occasion that we went out to eat or there was a banquet or party that she had to attend.  She also cooked lunch every Sunday.  My mom cooks up recipes that my Mimi has given her.  Unfortunately, I'm still a rookie when it comes to cooking...maybe soon I'll inherit Mom's and Mimi's recipes and be a genius in the kitchen with  the pots and pans.  

Other than recipes for meals, Mimi also has a ton of dessert recipes.  These desserts are either cakes, pies, cookies, fudge, candy...etc.  Mimi is a baking goddess!  I may not be great at cooking up meals but I do love to bake desserts!  Mimi's desserts, of course, are my favorite.  Everything is predominantly homemade.  Although following a recipe is easy...my desserts still can never taste as perfect as Mimi's.  One dessert recipe that I love to make is Mimi's Cheesecake.  That's what I call it because it's her's!  This homemade cheesecake is incredible and would even put the Cheesecake Factory to shame.  The secret is yellow cake mix added to the batter!  

I feel that summertime and Christmas time are the best seasons for desserts.  Cheesecake is perfect for summer because you eat it cold!  So, I went to the store yesterday to gather up the ingredients to make up Mimi's Cheesecake today!  I'm also sharing her recipe with you guys...as long as you promise to title it "Adriene's Mimi's Cheesecake."  We have to give Mimi credit!  

Mimi's Cheesecake:

1 package of yellow cake mix

2 Tbs. of oil

2 packages of cream cheese (8 oz.)

1/2 C of sugar

4 eggs

1 1/2 C of milk

3 Tbs. of lemon juice

3 tsp. of vanilla

1 can of fruit pie filling

Reserve 1 cup of the cake mix.  Mix remaing cake mix, oil, and one egg in a large mixing bowl (This is the crust).  Press the mix into the bottom of greased 13 x 9 inch pan going half way up the sides.  Set crust aside.  In same mixing bowl blend cream cheese, 1 cup of reserved cake mix and sugar.  Beat on high for one minute.  Then on low, add 3 eggs and milk.  Blend for another minute.  Slowly add flavorings.  Blend again for another minute.  Pour batter onto crust.  Bake at 300 degrees for 45-55 minutes depending on your oven.  The center should be firm not jiggly when ready.  Let cool.  Add fruit pie filling (I like blueberry) and chill before serving!  Enjoy!