toitles on mudda's day

Have you ever eaten turtle? Turtle soup? Fried turtle?


I haven't, and probably never will. (I'm fickle like that.) I have, however, eaten turtle cheesecake, and that's turtle enough for me.


These little beauties have been specifically requested by the bride (for any newbies to my blog (welcome!), I've been asked to make desserts for the reception), and they're a delightful choice. I personally think caramel may be the very best thing to pair with chocolate, and come on--it's cheesecake!

These were actually a breeze to put together, and although there was some cratering...


...it was effectively covered up by the luscious caramel...


(who knew caramel was so reflective?)

...and pecans.


One of my main concerns (aside from keeping them cool in outdoor early-July heat) was wrapper removal. Would they peel right out? Eh, almost, but not quite.


I skipped the crust because I had planned to use vanilla wafers and they wouldn't fit into the mini muffin cups--doh! Say, maybe that would aid in wrapper removal. And there we have it folks--I've found an excuse to make a second batch. :)

Miniature Toitle Cheesecakes
(based on this recipe by More Than Burnt Toast)
Yield: 24 baby turtles (hatchlings, if you will)

8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
4 oz dark chocolate, melted
1/4 cup sour cream
1 egg
caramel sauce and pecans, for topping

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
Line mini muffin tin with paper cups.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Beat together until light and creamy. Add the flour and blend until smooth. Pour in melted chocolate and sour cream and mix well. Add the egg and mix. Spoon the filling into cups and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the center is almost set. Let cool at room temperature for at least 10 minutes, then refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. Before serving, drizzle on some caramel sauce and top with a pecan.


So yesterday was Mother's Day and International Eat What You Want Day. Coincidence? I think not. This one's for you, Mammicus!