In chapter five, Warren talks about tests from God. God watches how we react to certain situations, testing our belief in him. He also talks about how we treat our possessions and our money. He left us with this question to ponder: What has happened to me recently that I now realize was a test from God? What are the greatest matters God has entrusted to me?

I made a marble cheesecake this weekend and it tastes great! The recipe is below, however, I would not recommend baking it as described in the recipe! I am placing the original recipe here since baking times vary by oven. I’ve made this cheesecake two times, with two different ovens and both times when I baked as recommended, the cheesecake was not done! I had to place it back into the oven for at least another 20-30 minutes at 350 degrees. I recommend baking the cheesecake at 350 degrees and to check it periodically to make sure it’s done.

Marble Cheesecake

Graham Cracker Crust-to make crust combine one cup of graham cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons sugar and 1/4 cup melted butter. Press mixture onto bottom and 1/2 inch up side of 9-inch springform pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes; cool.

3 packages of cream cheese(8 ounces each), softened
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup sour cream
2 teaspoons vanilla(I only use real vanilla extract. I never use imitation)
3 tablespoons flour
3 eggs (eggs usually work better when they are at room temperature)
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Prepare graham cracker crust. Set aside. Combine cream cheese, 3/4 cup sugar, the sour cream, and 2 teaspoons vanilla in a large mixer bowl; beat on medium speed until smooth. Add flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, blending well. Add eggs; beat well. Combine cocoa and 1/4 cup sugar in small bowl. Add oil, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and
1 1/2 cups of the cream cheese mixture; mix until well blended.

Spoon plain and chocolate mixtures alternately into prepared crust, ending with dollops of chocolate on top; gently swirl with knife or spatula for marbled effect. Bake at 450 degrees for 10 minutes without opening oven door, decrease temperature to 250 degrees and continue to bake 30 minutes. Turn off oven; let cheesecake remain in oven 30 minutes without opening door. (Be sure to read my comments above about baking time!) Remove from oven; loosen cake from side of pan. Cool completely; chill throughly.

10-12 servings.

Cecelia Dowdy
www.ceceliadowdy.com