I can remember the day well. It was late one night in the winter of 1998 deep in the basement of the Delta of Sigma Phi Delta house at UIllinois during finals week in a bout of extreme procrastination. That's where the first cheesecake I ever made came out of the oven. It wasn't pretty... it was pretty darn ugly if I had to be bluntly truthful: messy springform pan dents, a soggy crust, overcooked
sides as the oven was too hot, and a cracked and collapsed center that I tried to hide with store-bought chocolate and caramel sauce. It was ugly... but it started me down a path there was no turning back from. Over the decades since then, I've spent countless hours honing my culinary chops on this delight - a little tweak here, and dash of something there. While not quite Chicago style, nor Philly, nor New York, it's a flavor and texture unique in its own right, and I strive to keep each batch unique and unexpected just like and inspired by all the family and friends in my life I've had the blessing to have help shape who I've become. It quickly became a passion for me for the sake of family and friends and to bring all together in good times, love, and fellowship. The conversations, the smiles, the hugs, the laughter, and the sounds of contentment when I was able to bring everyone together at the table around the dessert I had brought - that is what warms my heart. I take delight that I am able to provide such a gastronomic vehicle to bring people together, and now, I welcome you into my family and offer you a slice try, and I hope my cheesecake can bring that same joy and happiness to you and your family and friends as it has mine!
