Lotus Biscoff Cheesecake

 

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE!

  • It is a no-bake, no gelatine, and no egg recipe so it is super easy to make and requires only a few ingredients.
  • It is light and creamy unlike baked cheesecake so everyone will love it.

 

 The history of the Biscoff or Speculoos

Speculoos was developed in the 20th century around the area of Verviers and made as an alternative for people who couldn't afford the real Dutch speculaas. The origins of speculaas are much older. In the 2020s the names speculaas and speculoos are sometimes used interchangeably in Flanders(Belgium).

In fact, it is believed that the name speculoos derives from the Latin word speculum or mirror since the cookie is the mirror image of the wooden mold in which it's been made.

 (ingredients include cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves, and ginger)

Now back to the recipe...

INGREDIENTS
FOR CRUST
  • 250g Lotus Biscoff Cookies
  • 72g (5 tbsp) Unsalted butter
FOR FILLING
  • 2 x 280g package of Full Fat Cream Cheese, 560g total
  • 3/4 cup (100g) Icing sugar/powdered sugar, (sifted)
  • 1 tbsp Lemon juice
  • 150g (1/2 cup + 2 tbsp) Biscoff Spread
  • 1 1/2cup (350g) Whipping Cream
FOR TOPPING
  • 150g (1/2 cup + 2 tbsp) Biscoff Spread
  • 6-8 Cookies

 

Instructions
MAKING THE CRUST
  1. Grease and line the bottom and sides of an 8” or 9” springform round cake pan with baking paper.
  2. Crush the lotus biscoff cookies in a food processor or a ziplock bag with a rolling pin until they are fine crumbs. Add melted butter to the cookie crumbs and mix until they are coated well and resemble wet sand.
  3. Pour the cookie mixture into the spring form cake pan and spread it out evenly. Press it down firmly using the bottom of a glass. The crust is ready. Pop it in the fridge for one hour to set completely or in the freezer for 15-30 minutes while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
MAKING THE CHEESECAKE FILLING
  1. Chill the mixing bowl and beater attachment in the fridge for 30 minutes. Pour the whipping cream (chilled) into the chilled bowl, add in half of the icing sugar then beat it at medium speed until stiff peak forms (it will take approximately 2-3 minutes). Avoid over beating otherwise it will turn into butter. Set aside.
  2. Take another large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese (should be at room temperature) and lemon juice, beat it for a minute then add vanilla extract, icing sugar and biscoff spread then beat again until it becomes smooth and fluffy (approximately 2 minutes). Microwave the biscoff spread just for 10 seconds to melt it a little bit before mixing it into the cream cheese mixture.
  3. Fold the chilled whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in two additions. Fold it gently with a spatula to avoid the deflating of the filling.
  4. Spread the mixture evenly onto the cookie crust. Smooth it out with an offset spatula or bench scraper.
  5. Tap a few times on the counter, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8-10 hours or overnight (preferably).
FOR THE TOPPING
  1. In a microwave-safe bowl, add biscoff spread and microwave for 25-30 seconds, mix well with a spoon and pour over the cheesecake, spread evenly with a spoon, and pop in the freezer for 15-20 minutes to set the top.
  2. Sprinkle some crushed biscuits over the top.
  3. Cut into pieces using a sharp knife and drizzle some melted biscoff spread and serve.
 

 

 

 

Photos of the Week - Week 28

 

Critique Group Challenge: 

Week 28, Film Noir

Photo by Bill Arneson

Click to view a larger image 

Bill says:

A backseat view through a windshield of a young woman with concern in her reflected eyes of what is ahead on a deserted road. It is meant as a play on the film noir technique of a closeup of a potential victim and the danger suggested by the setting.

This is a composite, cut and pasted to the background. I started with a view of the back of her head leaning toward the rear view mirror, but that was too busy so the photo was cropped to exclude that, the dash and roof edge to focus only on the road and the eyes in the rearview mirror. Film noir elements include low key, high contrast, B&W with +8 Temp for a slight sepia tint and an uncommon camera angle. A chrome rearview mirror (’57 Chevy) was used to frame the eyes as a black frame blended too much. I went for an element of concern/danger in the reflected eyes, which was my Granddaughter’s response to a request for that look. The background was a previous photo, which reflects the metadata.

 

52-Week Photo Challenge Class
Week 28 - Distort / Liquify

 

Week 52 Photo Challenge:

Week 28, Distort / Liquify

Photo by Wendy Browne

Click to view a larger image.

Wendy says: 

I think I have probably overstepped Ricky’s mantra that “just because you can, doesn’t mean you should” and “too much of a good thing is not a good thing”.
This is an image of my 6-year-old Grandson at the local skate Park.
Feeling very brave he dropped down into the pit and rode around. I though this had possibilities for “Liquify” so took many photos.
I took my favourite into Photoshop and then thinking, “what would happen if?” duplicated the image twice.
I liquified both images differently and then added one on multiply blend mode and then the other, also on multiply. Flattened the layers and back to Lightroom.
There I used a mask to lighten Owen’s body.
I like it, though it may not be what Ricky had in mind!

 

Smart Phone Photo Challenges
Week 28 - Visual Rhythm 

Smart Phone Challenge:

Week 28, Visual Rhythm 

Photo by Linda Rowberry

Click to view a larger image.

Linda says:

A mall in the Salt Lake Valley has painted some of the building with fun designs. I liked this one the best as it shows a lot of rhythm.

Ricky's Challenge Photos

Smart Phone Challenge:

Week 28, Visual Rhythm 

Photo by Ricky Tims

Click to view a larger image.

Ricky says:

 

 

 

\

Critique Group Challenge:

Week 28, Film Noir

Photo by Ricky Tims
from the 2022 Critique Group

Click to view a larger image.

Ricky says:

Best laid plans gone arwy. When I opened my options on the computer I had badly failed in focus - so - I went extreme out of focus and blurred the image more. It's not the vision I was originally going for, but we all know how the situation will take us in a different direction. 

 

 click on quilt for full size view
 
The Wisdom of Poppies
by Ricky Tims
 
Does life feel a bit too stressed? Do you feel as if you are pushing a rope uphill? Take a moment to just ponder this poem by Ricky Tims. Then, relax and do the jigsaw puzzle below.
 
 
The Wisdom of Poppies
 
What concert do the poppies have?
Seemingly none.
They dance on the breeze under a cool summer sun.

The bees flit about giving each one a kiss
It's a magical moment
One I don't want to miss.

But I'm curious to know what these poppies would say
If they knew all the things I must tend to today.

Would they sigh and suggest I've too much on my plate,
That I'm lost in a maze, or perhaps tempting fate?

Would they urge me to stop and take note of their plight
That each day they shine, but they rest every night.

Would they teach me to sway in the air to and fro
And that even in hard soil they've managed to grow?

Would they help me to see that when one is alone
That the gift off companions will melt hearts of stone?

And that friendships, and kinships, and family trees
Will help them to stand through a difficult breeze.

The poppies are wise and I think I must learn
That much of my life is a waste of concern.

That allowing my soul to be absolved and unstressed
Will bring the healing I need,
And I think they know best.
 
           —Ricky Tims
======================

TRY THE JIGSAW PUZZLE

Choose your own difficulty. Click the 9-patch grid to change number of pieces. Click the circle arrow to make the puzzle pieces rotating instead of stable orientation. Also, there are tips under the "?" on the upper right of the puzzle. If you'd like a full screen version, click the button below. Have fun!

 

Photos of the Week - Week 27

 

Critique Group Challenge: 

Week 27, What Is It

Photo by Kelly de Haas

Click to view a larger image 

Kelly says:

Minimalism photo with minimal editing.

 

52-Week Photo Challenge Class
Week 27 - Portrait Editing

 

Week 52 Photo Challenge:

Week 27, Portrait Editing

Photo by Mary de Greef

Click to view a larger image.

Mary says: 

This is my granddaughter Juniper, 13 years old. We had the family together on the 3rd at our river house. Juni and her younger sister Torreya were playing in the rain. I was just inside the door and she was out in the rain on the deck. That expression is pure Juni. I used the editing techniques from the video and removed some blemishes and rain streaks from her face and softened the overall look. Had to deal with shadows also. I love it so I'm happy.

 

Smart Phone Photo Challenges
Week 27 - It’s Alive

Smart Phone Challenge:

Week 27, It’s Alive

Photo by Karen Koehle

Click to view a larger image.

 Karen says:

Discovered this reddish brown stag beetle near a garage door when I was out for my walk a few mornings ago. 


Photo cropped and a Snapseed frame added.

Ricky's Challenge Photos

Smart Phone Challenge:

Week 27, It’s Alive

Photo by Ricky Tims

Click to view a larger image.

Ricky says:

 

 

 

\

Critique Group Challenge:

Week 27, What Is It

Photo by Ricky Tims
from the 2022 Critique Group

Click to view a larger image.

Ricky says:

It’s pretty common. 

 

 
Northern Lights
by Ricky Tims
 
Over the years I have often been smitten by antique quilts featured in  books or magazines. Looking through a book, The Darwin D. Bearly Collection: Antique Ohio Amish Quilt (©2006 Darwin D. Bearly and BERNINA), I saw a photo of a quilt that was calling my name. It was based on a Nine Patch, with the blocks set on point in a traditional Streak of the Lightning set. My multi-color fabric was perfect for my vision and I used those in such a way that allowed the color to change and flow down each vertical column.
 
This is a perfect quilt for both traditional and contemporary quilt makers. Using speedy-cut methods and strip piecing, it comes together in a flash.
 
 
 
Quilt Size: 87 7/8 x 92 1/8 inches.
 
Both versions are only $14.98
 
 

click on quilt for full size view

TRY THE JIGSAW PUZZLE

Choose your own difficulty. Click the 9-patch grid to change number of pieces. Click the circle arrow to make the puzzle pieces rotating instead of stable orientation. Also, there are tips under the "?" on the upper right of the puzzle. If you'd like a full screen version, click the button below. Have fun!

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Ricky Tims Photography 

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