Marie from Sun Prairie, WI (2017 Week 9: Pie)

Baker

Marie

Location

Sun Prairie, WI

Baking Challenge

Cheesecake with a Patisserie Twist!

Give your pie a clever name – and tell us about your crust and filling.

Decadent Bake Sale Cheesecakes! For the Tiramisu Cheesecakes I did a very basic lady finger recipe for the crust, after they cooled I soaked them in a rum and espresso mixture for a very brief moment – the result – AMAZING! The filling is mascarpone and cream cheese with an extra dash of rum. For the State Fair Cream Puff Cheesecake the crust is a Pate a Choux that puffed up so beautifully! The filling is a cranberry jam topped with a light and fluffy cheesecake.

Was your pie underbaked, overbaked or just right? What was your favorite part of the process?

Everything about this bake was just right! After looking at the challenges I knew I wanted to do cheesecake as I’ve never made one before, but I was stumped for my Wisconsin twist. I was further challenged when I learned of a United Way Bake Sale happening at work. I knew I wouldn’t have time to do both so I had to come up with "bake sale" cheesecake! I decided to peek ahead at the next episode (first time! I swear!) and see what they did on the show. That’s when my ideas started to take shape! What fun to incorporate a Patisserie Twist and make some truly decadent and amazing cheesecakes! I hope they bring in some big money! My favorite part of this bake was the process! I love it when a plan comes together!

How did you add a Wisconsin touch to your flavors or decoration?

As always I use fresh, local ingredients when I can – but I also paid homage to the Cream Puff, which is well known and a wonderful treat found at the Wisconsin State Fair! The Tiramisu connection is slightly more personal. A few months ago I decided to try to make a Tiramisu after seeing a contestant do one on the Great British Baking Show. I had never attempted baking like that! It turned out delicious! Shortly after that I saw this challenge and decided to try it! What a fun and delicious journey it has been! Thank you WPT!

How did you do?

Absolutely lovely.