The arctic chill seems to have permanently settled over Fort Worth, TX. I’m not sure what the deal is but later this week we are expected to experience temperatures in the single digits. This kind of weather leads my mind to think of fleece pajama pants, reading on the couch with my dogs, pasta and cheesecake. All of which happened last night when Dan and I got home. We quickly found our warmest most cozy PJs and whipped up some carbo-loaded pasta.

I was super excited to use these new single portion pasta dishes that were made specially for me by Twiceborn Pottery. (I know what you are thinking, “That’s a single portion?”-oh just you wait and see). I traded a family portrait session for 4 of these fabulous dishes. I love bartering. Pictures from that session soon to come!

I made a new secret recipe. So secret, I’m not even sure what I put in it. That’s my favorite kind of cooking.

See. Single Portions.

Now the next thing you are going to see is legendary folks. Yes, legendary.

This is my Dad’s famous Cheesecake. He has spent the last 20+ years tweaking and perfecting it. It is, by far, the best cheesecake you will every eat. The story goes, when Dan went to my Dad to ask for his permission to marry me he also asked my Dad to teach him how to make his cheesecake. Possibly two of the most important questions of one’s life. As it turns out, my Dad said yes to both.