Liza recipes

01/13/2026

11/17/2025

CINNAMON SWIRL DREAM CHEESECAKE 🍥🍰💫

INGREDIENTS:

Base Layer:
1 and 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
1/4 cup soft brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter

Creamy Filling:
24 oz cream cheese (softened)
1 cup fine white sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream

Cinnamon Ribbon:
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 and 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon powder
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
5 tablespoons melted butter

INSTRUCTIONS:

STEP 1: CRUST SETUP
Begin by heating oven to 325°F (163°C). Mix graham crumbs, cinnamon, and brown sugar in a bowl. Stir in melted butter until evenly coated. Firmly press the mix into the base of a 9-inch springform pan. Prebake for 10 minutes, then let cool.

STEP 2: BLEND THE FILLING
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until fully creamy. Add eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly. Mix in sour cream and vanilla until silky smooth and well combined.

STEP 3: PREP THE SWIRL
In a smaller bowl, stir together brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Pour in melted butter and mix until it forms a rich paste.

STEP 4: BUILD THE LAYERS
Pour half the cheesecake batter into the crust. Drop spoonfuls of half the cinnamon filling on top. Add remaining cheesecake mixture, then finish with more cinnamon paste. Use a skewer or knife to gently create swirls.

STEP 5: WATER BATH BAKING
Place the springform in a larger tray and add hot water halfway up. Bake for 55–65 minutes until edges are set and center slightly jiggles. Crack the oven door, cool inside for 1 hour. Chill in the fridge for minimum 4 hours or overnight.

STEP 6: PLATE & ENJOY
Slice and serve with drizzle of vanilla icing or a dust of powdered sugar for a dreamy finish.

Prep Time: 20 mins | Bake Time: 1 hr | Chill Time: 4 hrs | Total: 5 hrs 20 mins | Makes: 12 slices

Topping Idea: Finish with maple glaze or creamy frosting drizzle for a sweet final touch.

Expert Tips:
Ensure ingredients are room temperature before mixing for a velvety texture. Don’t overmix once eggs are added to avoid cracks.

Plant-Based Note: Use vegan-friendly cream cheese, sour cream, butter, and egg replacements.

Gluten-Free Note: Replace graham crackers with gluten-free variety.

11/16/2025

🧀🍤 GOLDEN MACARONI BAKE WITH SHRIMP

INGREDIENTS:

8 oz shell or elbow pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt for boiling water

Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
Salt, pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika

Shrimp:
1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper

Topping:
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Fresh parsley or thyme
Extra paprika

INSTRUCTIONS:

STEP 1: PASTA PREP
Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and drizzle with olive oil.

STEP 2: SAUTÉ SHRIMP
In a pan, heat olive oil. Season shrimp with paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes per side. Set aside.

STEP 3: RICH CHEESE SAUCE
In a pot, melt butter, whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually pour in milk and cream, stirring until smooth.
Add cheeses and seasonings. Stir until creamy and thick.

STEP 4: ASSEMBLE & BAKE
Mix pasta with cheese sauce and half the shrimp. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
Top with remaining shrimp, Parmesan, and paprika.

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 mins or until bubbly and golden. Garnish with herbs.

Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins | Total: 45 mins | Serves: 4–6

11/16/2025

🍒🍪 CLASSIC HOMEMADE COOKIES WITH DRIED FRUITS & NUTS

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup softened butter
3/4 cup white sugar
3/4 cup light brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
3/4 cup dried cranberries
3/4 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped dried cherries or apricots

INSTRUCTIONS:

STEP 1: CREAM THE BASE
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking trays with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, beat together butter, both sugars, and vanilla until fluffy. Add eggs one by one, mixing after each.

STEP 2: MIX DRY AND COMBINE
In another bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
Gently fold in the dried fruits and chopped nuts.

STEP 3: SHAPE & BAKE
Drop dough onto prepared trays in rounded spoonfuls. Leave space for spreading.
Bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Bake Time: 12 mins | Ready In: 27 mins | Yield: Around 30 cookies

11/16/2025

PISTACHIO & CRANBERRY FESTIVE CREAM CHEESE ROLL 💚❤️🧀

INGREDIENTS:

Main Mix:
16 oz cream cheese
½ cup chopped dried cranberries
½ cup pistachios, roasted and chopped
1 tbsp honey
½ tsp orange zest
¼ tsp cinnamon
Salt, pinch

Decorate With:
2 tbsp chopped cranberries
2 tbsp chopped pistachios
1 tsp honey (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

STEP 1: MIX & CHILL
Beat cream cheese until smooth. Stir in cranberries, nuts, honey, zest, cinnamon, and salt.

STEP 2: SHAPE
Spoon mixture onto plastic wrap. Roll into log. Chill 2+ hrs.

STEP 3: TOPPING
Press extra chopped fruit and nuts onto log. Drizzle honey for extra gloss.

STEP 4: SERVE
Slice and plate with crackers or toast.

Prep: 10 min | Chill: 2 hrs | Total: 2 hr 10 min | Servings: 10–12