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Cheesecake Extraordinaire : More than 100 Sumptuous Recipes for the Ultimate Dessertx$9.83
  (37 reviews)
Best Price: $9.83
Who can resist the rich, creamy, melt-in-your-mouth bliss of cheesecake? Cheesecake Extraordinaire presents 121 recipes for this indulgent yet easy-to-make treat. From luscious Chocolate Toffee Cheesecake to lighter-than-air Creamy Lemon Cheesecake, each recipe is sure to please even the most discriminating dessert lover.
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Customer Reviews
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Like heavy alcohol flavor in your cheesecakes?
By A35Q1NS0A88HCD on 1999-12-11
While this book is pretty in looks, the recipes are extremely heavy in alcohol flavor. I like the flavor of alcohol in foods, but these recipes are very strong -- almost all recipes include alcohol, and many include very hard to find liquers. And the recipes do not yeild the firm texture I prefer.
Excellent recipes, but ...
By A4UXQ3Q9Y0HZU on 1999-01-24
This is an excellent book, as far as imaginative variations on the original cheesecake are concerned (my favorites being the Turtle, Black Forest and German Chocolate cheesecakes). My advise to anyone using this book would be to at least double the low-temperature cooking times that Ms. Crownover recommends. This will provide for a crumblier consistency, more like those made by professional bakers. The low-temp times in this book result in cakes that have a too-creamy, no-bake consistency.
Now when my friends come over, they expect cheesecake!
By A3HQ5IARK11EZS on 2001-08-13
Mary Crownover takes the mystery out of baking delicious homemade cheesecakes. There are many cheesecakes presented in this book - some that you would make for friends, some for formal dinners, some you would hide away to save for yourself (I'm guilty of that), and there's even a "guilt-free" cheesecake section for those watching their waistline. You will find something in this book that will cater to everyone's tastes. Crownover takes the reader step by step through the cheesecake "making and baking" process, and even gives tips on making your own "cheesecake" masterpiece. Some cookbooks are dry, some are too chatty, others don't give enough attention to details. Cheesecake Extraordinaire is a balanced cookbook that avoids those common pitfalls, and can make almost anyone a great cheesecake baker. The photographs are beautifully presented. The only problem I see is that the photographs are so wonderful, one can gain pounds just looking at them! After making most of the cheesecakes out of this book, I have yet to purchase a "store bought" cheesecake. With Crownover's aid I have discovered that making a tasty, attractive cheesecake is not very hard at all. The downside is, when my friends come over, they expect cheesecake. The good thing is, I usually have one in the refrigerator or in the freezer (and when she claims her cheesecakes "freeze beautifully", she is telling the absolute truth). My personal favorites include her Butter Rum (to me it tastes exactly like the Butter Rum Lifesavers), the Grasshopper, the Caramel Chocolate Chunk, the Mai Tai, and the German chocolate cheesecakes. No more excuses for not trying "cheesecake cookery", folks. This book makes it almost TOO easy to become a homemade cheesecake addict!
Look No Further!
By A80IUXHD7N2U7 on 2005-06-23
I have got to say that this is definitely the best cheesecake book ever. Initially, I was shopping around for one since my boyfriend's favorite dessert was cheesecake. I ran across this and decided to get it. Well, one of the best choices I could ever make, I think. This is an amazing book!
Starting from the recipes which are so numerous and so varied that they have to be divided into beverage-based, chocolate, vanilla, candy, etc., even one for light cheesecakes! Honestly, deciding which one to try the first time around was the toughest challenge when starting out. Well, I followed the instructions clearly, as well as the first section on tips to avoid it cracking and boy, did it ever come out wonderfully! I never looked back. I've baked from it endlessly for some years now, tasting practically all of the recipes included. It's gotten to the point where I may soemtimes tweak the recipe and/or ingredients a bit and it still comes out great! My family has enjoyed all sorts of different flavors and many of my family members and friends have converted and use nothing but this to bake cheesecakes also. My copy is so beat-up from use, it may be time to get a new one. Did I mention that this is also a beautiful book? Full of wonderful (yummy-looking) glossy pictures.
My only (tiny) complaint is that on occasion, some of the ingredients may be a little hard to get but nothing too major and definitely nothing's that stopped me yet.
I do have other cheesecake books which people have given me over the years but due to simplicity, astounding variety and plain old wonderful results, this is the one I recommend the most.
Best cheesecake book I own
By A2DDVD6SPKZOZK on 2005-01-23
The recipes in this book are wonderful! I've made the mocha cheesecake at least a dozen times, and it's a huge hit every time. I made it for Thanksgiving, and my in-laws loved it so much, they requested it for Christmas! I also adapted another recipe to try something different, and it tasted like heaven.
The book has excellent tips, including a conversion chart if you want to bake your cheesecake in a size other than the 9" size used for all of the recipes. This is a fantastic book! Buy it new, used, whatever format you can get it in. Trust me!!!
Update 1/10/07: I have continued to make different recipes from this book on a regular basis, all to rave reviews. I am now expected to bring a cheesecake to all neighborhood gatherings, and no one else will make one because they want mine! I've adapted some of the recipes and have created my own based on the highly useful tips in this book (and by comparing ingredients from the various recipes), and they turn out perfectly. I've bought a few other cheesecake recipe books, but always turn to this one when I want to try something new, or when I want to work on an original recipe and figure out the right balance of ingredients. I am always asked when I make a cheesecake from this book if I'm going to start selling cheesecakes (the answer is yes!).
- Delicious, Simple, and Exciting Cheesecakes
By A24R6ABSCOVU0L on 2000-04-22
This is an amazing selection of over a 100 standard and non-traditional cheesecake recipes. The recipes are divided into categories: beverage-based, candy & cookie, caramel, chocolate, coconut, custard and spice, fruit, mint, nut, peanut butter, vanilla, and guild-free cheesecakes. I and many others have enjoyed the numerous cheesecakes I've baked using recipes from this book.
- Saved the day!
By on 2001-05-02
I can't tell you how grateful I am to have found this book. I decided that I wanted to make cheesecakes for my wedding instead of paying some bakery $2,000+ to do it. I picked three recipes and made 4 cakes of each (120 people), for a total cost of about $300. The book made recipe conversions and pan sizing a snap. And the best part - everyone raved, and thought that they had been professionally made!! There was a small-scale war on during the reception as to which cheesecake was the best one. By far, this book is one of the reasons our wedding came off as one of the best that people had attended. Thanks Mary Crownover!!
- This is my favorite cookbook
By A1HCLSB6U9M9B0 on 2004-10-17
I have been working my way through the recipes in this book for several years now, with hardly a repeat, and they are all wonderful! I even tried one of the low-fat recipes and it was good too.
I started with the paperback version, but have used it so much it was coming apart, so recently bought the hardcover. I highly recommend it for anyone who loves to make cheesecake.
- A must-have if you're a cheesecake lover!
By AT10BYQJHJTHL on 1999-08-24
Anyone who loves cheesecake will love this book. The cheesecakes never fail (and never crack). Recipes are easy to follow and ingredients are easy to fine. There's a cheesecake to please everyone!
- Extraordinary Indeed!
By on 1999-07-11
Mary Crownover has pulled it all together! I searched far and wide for a comprehensive cheesecake book and I decided to choose this one for its variety and excellent suggestions and tips.I believe that good cooking sometimes relies upon one's ability to find and follow good recipes rather than inventing them. Ms. Crownover's book will place any cheesecake baker in that unique position. When my family and friends ask for the recipes I have made, I e-mail them with an attachment that includes Amazon's info on this book! Credit must be given where credit is due.
- Well worth your money if you love cheesecake!
By on 1999-03-10
I have found this cookbook to be very tantilizing and helpful. The author often gives helpful hints and the recipes are very creative. The only downside is that there are not a lot of pictures -- I like to have a picture with each recipe so I can get ideas for what it should look like and how it can be creatively served. The pictures that are included are wonderful though.
- Excellent
By on 2004-02-02
I have tried a variety of recipes from this book, and I've had nothing but successes. I am confident to try out a new recipe for an event, because I know it will turn out as great as the others that I did test.
I can't speak for the low fat versions as I haven't tried them, but I have nothing but praises for the regular recipes. Beautiful and inspiring pictures, great result, what more can anyone want from a cookbook?
- Appropriately Named
By A2MA4ATED1B1GB on 2004-11-07
I have make several of the recipes in this book and they ALL have turned out fabulous. Some of my friends even offered me money for the cakes. As far as the reveiwers that mentioned the liquors, I couldn't disagree more. Yes there are some that use liquor, but, not all of them use it. The liquor based ones that I have made were not strong to me, but they might be to someone that is sensitive. In my opinion, the alcohol cooks off in the cooking prosses, so what is left the the flavor of the liqour it's self.
I would suggest that you put a little more sugar in the filling or in the crust, if you like it sweet. Also, I like to put some brown sugar in the filling, even if the recipe does not call for it. It adds a wonderful rich color to the cakes.
- My cheesecake Bible
By ADW5K5M5LR36C on 2004-11-26
The recipes in this book are wonderful. The instructions are clear. The "why's" and "how's" of perfect cheesecake making are explained in detail. I've made good cheesecakes before, but this book has certainly added tasty variety to my repertoire. My tasters always comment on how delightfully creamy and not-too-rich the cheesecakes are. My latest creation, which I re-named "Chocolate-covered Cherry Cheesecake" went over extremely well at a Thanksgiving gathering.
- So many cheese cakes, so little time
By on 2001-01-21
This book has so many different types of cheese cakes that I'm excited about trying them. There are also many cheese cakes that you might not have thought of such as strawberry dacquari and chocolate peanut butter. It's pictures make you want to eat them right off of the page. The book is also divided up very well into sections to help you pick out exactly what kind of cake you want to make ie: w/ alcohol, w/fruit, w/ candy, w/chocolate, lighter cakes, etc. I'm going to have great fun with this book.
- I cannot rate this book high enough
By A9YNS3LQNGPCV on 2002-11-21
I have been using her book since the early 1990's. It has the best pictures and presentation. She doesn't just write out the recipes, she teaches you what a cheesecake is all about. There is a great little section on Tips that really give the reader the idea of what is happening with the cheesecake when it is in the oven and how to serve it. In addition, she helps the reader to be able to modify the recipes that she gives, and make them their own. You can alter the recipes to handle different size pans, or adding or substituting different ingredients too. I have given this book out to many people over the years. When I bought it, it was in hardback only. But since 1994, it was only in paperback. I am now very glad that they have put it out in hardback again. Praise you Mary Crownover!
- AWESOME
By A3170BAB84LS on 2004-03-06
I have several cheesecake books. This was my first and still my favorite. Mary Crownover has compiled some of the most unique recipes for cheesecake.
If you only buy 1 cheesecake book. This is the one!!!!
- You can't go wrong!
By A2D4RX148JLNL4 on 2004-06-25
I've always been a pretty good baker, but I was never successful with cheesecakes (after numerous attempts), until I got this book as a gift. Success the very first time!
It is simply the best cheesecake book I have ever seen! With such wonderful recipes (lots and lots!), with very detailed instructions, and many hints and tips, you cannot make a bad cheesecake.
Highly recommend!!
- The delicious treat of homemade cheesecake
By A2XPGNJ8YUPHM0 on 2006-12-03
"Cheesecake Extraordinaire" starts off with ingredient notes, equipment, and more; I highly recommend reading the "cheesecake basics" if you aren't familiar with cheesecake-baking. The process is simple, but there are certain steps and aspects to it that are important, and it's the lack of those that so often leads people to think cheesecakes are difficult to make.
The cheesecakes are split into a handful of chapters: beverage-based (most, but not all, of these are based on alcoholic drinks and have a decent amount of alcohol in them), candy and cookie, caramel, chocolate, coconut, custard and spice, fruit, mint, nut, peanut butter, vanilla, and "guilt-free" (i.e., recipes using sugar substitute). Don't get too excited here--most of the recipes are in the first and last chapters, beverage-based and reduced-sugar. For some folks that might be wonderful, but I found it rather limiting. I can't stand the taste of sugar substitutes, and I usually make cheesecake to share with certain friends, some of whom really don't like the taste of alcohol. That severely limits the number of useful recipes in this cookbook for me. It's a personal thing, though--if you'd like those recipes, then those chapters will be more useful to you.
The cheesecakes we've made have certainly tasted absolutely delicious. There's a recipe for individual vanilla cheesecakes that's to-die-for, and a caramel pecan cheesecake that has a delightfully natural and somewhat subtle caramel flavor based primarily in brown sugar. Not a single cheesecake has disappointed.
That said, we have at times left off the frostings or toppings suggested by the book. One wonderful cheesecake recipe included a recipe for frosting that was entirely shortening-based--and I cannot STAND shortening-based frostings. They're just plain nasty. Often a cheesecake would be just as good or better without the suggested toppings; at other times the toppings work quite well (such as for the caramel pecan cheesecake, which is good either way).
I wouldn't call this the ultimate cheesecake cookbook, but I'd certainly call it a very good one. Personally I'd like to see more non-alcoholic and non-sugar-free recipes, and fewer unnecessary toppings (or a higher quality of topping recipes overall). However, depending on your particular tastes in food, your mileage may vary! If you love high-alcohol cheesecakes and don't have a problem with shortening-based icings and such, this may be the perfect cheesecake cookbook for you.
- Excellent cheesecake book!
By A36PMQ7TUBOOF5 on 2000-04-27
Helpful hints section on how to make a good cheesecake was great. Very detailed and informative. Lots of unique cheesecake receipes. Good photography on the cakes. I will use this book quite frequently. thanks!
- Been looking for a new way to make a classic? Here it is.
By on 1999-01-30
As a cheesecake lover I am always on the lookout for a new recipe. This book has more varieties than you have ever imagined. My only difficulty came when some hard to find liquers where used. Several recipes called for liquers that were difficult for me to find such as bannana schnapps, orange schnapps, vanilla liqueor. I had to order them from a local liquor store that had problems locating them as well. When I found them the results were worth the wait but some lightweights may find the alcohol flavored cakes a bit strong.
- Extraordinary Cheesecakes
By on 2003-12-07
I've had this book now for over 7 years and still love it!! It has so many great receipes - if you like cheesecakes, you'll love this book.
- Suspicious about review process
By A1WDS2XK2TV3AA on 2006-12-06
I did not wish to rate this book with a star but had to enter something... Can someone tell me why the reviews for this book are identical to the reviews for a different cheesecake cook book "I Love Cheesecake"?
I was just reading the reviews for the other book and then planned to compare to the reviews for this book and they're exactly the same reviews???
makes me wonder why I should even bother with reading any of the reviews on this site...and if I should buy any of the books since I cannot tell which one is a good book.
- Truly Extraordinaire
By A27J5392FZE97O on 2000-11-04
I have used this book for over 5 years and have always had rave reviews from from my dinner guest
- Yummy!
By A22G3CVKKI61MP on 2003-11-08
This book is fantastic. Because my husband and his whole family request cheesecake for birthdays and holidays, I needed a cheesecake cookbook that would give me a variety of flavors from which to choose. Not only does this book fit that bill, but it also includes many helpful tips for those of us who have had cheesecakes turn out less-than-perfect. Since I began using this book over a year ago, I have never had less than complete success with my cheesecakes. I'm not crazy about the lowfat recipes...I think if you're going to have cheesecake, have the real thing! I would highly reccommend this cookbook to both beginning bakers and experienced cooks alike.
- best book
By A2LCJXOML837G8 on 2003-11-17
I HAVE HAD THIS BOOK FOR YEARS AND THE RECIPES ARE OUTSTANDING AND EASY TO FOLLOW. I HAVE GOTTEN RAVE REVIEWS FOR THE CHEESECAKES MADE FROM THIS BOOK. MUST HAVE FOR BAKERS ESPECIALLY NEWBIES.
- Wonderful cheesecake book.......
By ABX3704SXNU5F on 2007-11-26
Having several cheesecake books, and having purchased this book several years ago, I have been blissfully baking cheesecakes that many friends and family have enjoyed. For that important reason, and for the many wonderful reviews that this book has garnished, I would like to give a bit more detail to help someone both appreciate and perhaps, want to purchase this particularly wonderful book.
Starting with the many incredibly beautiful and luscious photographs, you will be in a difficult spot to try and figure out which of the over 100 recipes you would like to try. There seems to be a cake for every season and occasion, and all with just the right amount of effort to make them as spectacular as the finished photo itself.
The Foreward is an interesting page itself in that the Cardiopulmonary Dietician who wrote it has a philosphy that I agree with in that, in moderation, one can enjoy just about any food, especially if it prepared properly. It is a great read for those who might feel that "cheesecake" is a forbidden word. And when you get to the "Guilt Free Cheesecake" section, you will be pleasantly surprised on the good flavor and texture on the lighter cheesecakes.
As an aside, I found some recipes to be a bit heavy with the sugar content, so I scaled back about a 1/4 cup or so, and that seemed to be just right for myself, though is there such a thing as too much sweetness with cheesecake? And as far as the "Beverage Cheesecakes", the Margarita Cheesecake, Irish Cream Cheesecake, and Amaretto Cheesecakes were just perfect cheesecake cousins of those particular liqueurs.
Ms. Crownover goes into her first chapter of how to be successful every time by having the knowledge of "ingredients, equipment, and other helpful hints" to make your cheesecake baking experience the best. One of the parts that I appreciated was the modification of recipes depending on the size of your pan; extremely useful when having to increase/decrease amounts needed for different size pans.
Next comes the cakes and the different categories to give you a quick index of flavors:
BEVERAGE BASED CHEESECAKES:
Grasshopper Cheesecake
Amaretto Cheesecake
Amaretto Chocolate Cheesecake
Coffee and Cream Cheesecake
Eggnog Cheesecake
Fuzzy Navel Cheesecake
Daiquiri Cheesecake
Grand Passion Cheesecake
Marbles Grasshopper Cheesecake
Hawaiian Tropics Cheesecake
Jamaican Banana Cheesecake
Chocolate Irish Cream Cheesecake
Irish Cream Cheesecake
Mocha Cheesecake
Mai Tai Cheesecake
Margarita Cheesecake
Neopolitan Cheesecake
Nutty Colada Cheesecake
Orange Pineapple Cheesecake
Pina Colada Cheesecake
Pink Lemonade Cheesecake
Rum Raisin Cheesecake
Strawberry Daiquiri Cheesecake
Vandermint Cheesecake
CANDY AND COOKIES CHEESECAKES:
Chocolate Candy Cheesecake (an M&M's kind of cake)
Cookies and Cream Cheesecake
Butterscotch Cheesecake
Butter Rum Cheesecake
Turtle Cheesecake
Praline Cheesecake
CARAMEL CHEESECAKES:
Caramel Chocolate Chunk Cheesecake
Caramel Apple Cheesecake
Caramel Pecan Cheesecake
Molasses Cheesecake
Caramel Mocha Cheesecake
Chocolate Caramel Pecan Cheesecake
CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKES (the most requested ones):
Chocolate Cheesecake
Black Bottom Cheesecake
Black Forest Cheesecake
Chocolate Banana Cheesecake
Mocha Almond Swirl Cheesecake
Chocolate Mint Swirl Cheesecake
Chocolate Orange and Almond Swirl Cheesecake
Chocolate Orange Cheesecake
Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake
Chocolate Toffee Cheesecake
Chocolate Fantasy Cheesecake
German Chocolate Cheesecake
Milk Chocolate Cheesecake
COCONUT CHEESECAKE:
Chocolate Coconut Almond Cheesecake
Coconut Pineapple Almond Cheesecake
Coconut Chocolate Rum Cheesecake
Coconut Almond Cheesecake
CUSTARD AND SPICE CHEESECAKE:
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Carrot Cheesecake
FRUIT CHEESECAKE:
Mandarin Orange Cheesecake
Apple Pie Cheesecake
Apricot Cheesecake
Apricot Mousse Cheesecake
Banana Cream Cheesecake
Bananas Foster Cheesecake
Cherry Cheesecake
Imperial Bing Cherry Cheesecake
Ambrosia Cheesecake
Blueberry Cheesecake
Blackberry Cheesecake
Cherry Almond Cheesecake
Chocolate Cherry Almond Cheesecake
Banana Split Cheesecake
Creamy Lemon Cheesecake
Creamy Orange Swirl Cheesecake
Key Lime Cheesecake
Lemon Drop Cheesecake
Limon Cheesecake
New England Apple Cheesecake
Peaches and Cream Cheesecake
Pear Elegance Cheesecake
Peach Pecan Cheesecake
French Pineapple Cheesecake
Strawberry Chocolate Cheesecake
Raspberry Almond Cheesecake
Strawberry Cheesecake
Tangerine Cheesecake
Raspberry Chocolate Cheesecake
Cranberry Orange Cheesecake
MINT CHEESECAKE:
Peppermint Chip Cheesecake
Mint Almond Swirl Cheesecake
Chocolate Mint Cheesecake
NUT CHEESECAKE:
Almond Toffee Cheesecake
California Amaretto Cheesecake
Baklava Cheesecake
Mapel Pecan Cheesecake
PEANUT BUTTER CHEESECAKE:
PB and Chocolate Cheesecake
PB and Banana Cheesecake
PB and Jelly Cheesecake
VANILLA CHEESECAKE:
Super New York Style Cheesecake
Dutch Vanilla Cheesecake
Individual Cheesecakes
Honey Vanilla Cheesecake
GUILT-FREE CHEESECAKE (light cheesecakes substituting some cream cheese with tofu, egg whites rather than all eggs):
Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake
Low-Calorie Amaretto Cheesecake
Light Lime Cheesecake
Coffee Cream Cheesecake
Slim Chocolate Mint Cheesecake
Caramel Praline Cheesecake
Skinny Banana Split Cheesecake
Fresh Tangerine Cheesecake
Tropical Blend Cheesecake
Light Lemon Cheesecake
Tangy Orange Cheesecake
Slice of Lemon Cheesecake (very refreshing)
Calorie Trimmed Coffee Cheesecake
Very Vanilla Cheesecake
Ligth Daiquiri Cheesecake
Peachy Diet Cheesecake
Banana Dream Cheesecake
Carefree Cocoa Cheesecake
Slender Cherry Cheesecake
Caramel Coffee Cheesecake
Blueberry Patch Cheesecake
This is a great book as well as reference tool for making the most delectable of cheesecakes; it is definitely one that you will refer to and that you can rely on for making a hit with this favorite dessert!
- THE best desserts in the world. Simple and decadent.
By A3KA5GPCORIYDR on 1997-12-08
If you want to impress your friends, pick up this book and pick out a recipe. These are simple and the results are the most decadent you will ever taste. Instructions are easy even for the beginner cook. All you need is a springform pan and no caloric limit. Even fat free recipes and yogurt cheese recipes included for those who want to reduce those pesky calories.
- Very Pleased
By A1YULXE998SKGE on 2001-03-27
I've made four of the cheesecakes and they are the best around--Rave reviews from everyone. I'll agree with some of the other reviews that baking time should be increased for those wishing a firmer texture. The tips in the beginning of the book are great. I have a dessert business and I'm not going to start offering cheesecakes on the menu.
- Easy recipes, good price
By A2KWXARWX5Y5KW on 2002-04-12
So I'm on a cheesecake kick. I make them for parties, gifts, heck, I've even sold some to friends that have tasted my previous creations. I was running out of ideas when I came across this book. There are many solid, interesting recipes in Crownover's book. Some need some tweaking (mostly depending on your oven), and substitutions are very easy. The best part of this book is that it has encouraged me to look at different recipes and say, "Hey, that would make an interesting cheesecake."
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