Build Your Own Cheesecakes

A coworker has decided that she is fulfilling a lifelong dream and moving to Alaska. She has been with the company for over 18 years and was instrumental in my original training. We worked closely together on almost a daily basis and she will truly be missed.

She doesn't like big celebrations or fusses made for her, but my boss still wanted to send her away in style (her style), so we had a luncheon. She chose Jimmy John's for lunch and I coordinated the sub order. My boss picked up chips and I offered to make the dessert as I do for almost all celebrations.

My thinking cap went into high gear last week trying to figure out the logistics of making Baked Alaska treats for the group. Without having a kitchen torch at my disposal and not sure how I would get them to work in one piece, I pitched that idea to the side and chose mini cheesecakes instead.

Margaret (the Alaska-bound coworker) and I had a discussion just last week about how amazing cheesecake is and how you can just never say no when someone offers you some. Not to mention how many different kinds there are. This got me thinking and I came up with a Top-Your-Own-Cheesecake Bar.

I have learned over the past ten years that if you bring in a sheet cake or pie and it's not cut up, my coworkers are less likely to eat it. So I decided to make individual cheesecake cupcakes. I found a recipe on KraftRecipes.com, but I made some substitutions.

I subbed crushed vanilla wafer cookies in place of the graham crackers. You may want to use 1.5 cups instead of 1 cup as I felt each cup could have used a little more in the bottom. I used 3 packages of 1/3 less fat cream cheese to lessen the fat content of the cheesecake a bit, but not sacrificing flavor.

I didn't use the whipping cream in this recipe because I bought a can of cool whip for my coworkers to use.

I made the cupcakes as the directions said and they took 25 minutes in my oven.

In the meantime, I got the toppings ready. I went to Dollar Tree and picked up some of the ingredients. They had Apple Pie Filling, frozen mixed fruit and blueberries and Butterfinger Bites. I also picked up some containers to put the fruits in because I didn't have enough at home. The store sells 3-packs of 2-cup Betty Crocker containers for $1 each. These are a perfect size container. I then stopped at the grocery store and picked up Cherry Pie Filling and Cool Whip.

So in all, I had five toppings and Cool Whip for my coworkers to create their own cheesecake desserts. I would recommend cutting the apples in half as they were quite large and I coarsely chopped the Butterfinger Bites.

The lunch was a great success. We shared stories and reminisced on her years at Image Makers. She thanked us and wished us luck and plans to keep in touch.

And my dessert was a huge hit! Everyone said the cheesecakes were great and loved the variety of toppings. There were even a few leftover in the fridge after the party, but I'm sure they won't last long!

Wauk Wednesday: La Estacion

Just last week, I was asked about brunches in Waukesha via Twitter. Thankfully, I used my Groupon for La Estacion a few weeks back and did a brunch with my friend Tiffany. We weren't sure what to expect, but drove on over and hoped not to wait too long.

La Estacion is located just south of downtown Waukesha by the train tracks that divide the city in two. It's the former train depot and has many images in it from days gone by. They have great Mexican food, margaritas and a great summer patio. 

When I arrived, I waited for Tiffany in the bar area and noticed a lot of really long tables full of parties enjoying the brunch. When Tiffany arrived, they sat us in one of the trolley cars. I was a little hesitant at first because someone leaving said that they could barely feel their legs after eating in a car, but we must have been sat in the warm one as I was nice and toasty.

These are legit old train cars that have been re-purposed, while still on the tracks that run through Waukesha. They have tables and booths and lots of light through all the windows. The original shades are still intact, but non-functioning. From our table, I could see the pancake, waffle and egg stations, as well as one of the buffets.

We were instantly greeted by a cheery server who told us briefly about the brunch and told us to have at it. So we did as we were told and headed out of the train car and down to the brunch.

We were instantly overwhelmed but in a good way. We wandered around the seven tables (yes seven!!!) full of food and had no idea where to start. We asked a gentleman that was filling up his plate what was the best and he told us the shrimp plates were the best thing. We looked it over and decided that would be plate two!

I started with one of the buffet carts and filled my plate with steak & mole sauce, steak, peppers & cheese, zucchini pudding, bacon and a strawberry goat cheese salad. I ate everything up and the steak with mole was the only thing that I wasn't a fan of. I'm not sure what sort of meat it was, but I just didn't like the texture. The zucchini pudding was amazing. It tasted like eggs and finely chopped zucchini, cream, salt and pepper.

Plate two was mostly consumed with a made-just-for-me belgium waffle. I put some fresh fruit on it and tried to get some syrup on it, but the container was hard to poor from. I went back for more zuchinni pudding and then some fiesta potatoes and melon. The dessert table was calling my name, but I held off.

Before heading back to the train car, we headed over to the shrimp station to see what it was all about. There were two different shrimp dishes to choose from. I chose shrimp with tequila and orange over rice and Tiffany chose shrimp and cheese over rice. We watched as the shrimp were sauteed in a pan and then with mine having tequila in it, it was set on fire briefly to meld the flavors.

We then headed back to our table, ordered two mimosas and dug in. The shrimp was by far the most amazing thing that I have had on a brunch. The flavors were so fresh. Tiffany agreed about the flavors and we definitely want to go back for nothing more than 12 plates of that!

We never made it to the dessert table as we began catching up and chitty-chatting our way through our last plates. The mimosas were wonderful after the meal while we continued to chat.

I highly recommend this brunch, but it is a little hard to get around when it's crowded because the tables are in U-shapes. But if you don't mind a little wait for the food, it's worth every bite.

Other great area brunches are People's Park and Thunder Bay Grill. 

Waukesha Farmers' Market

Last weekend, my parents and I decided to get up early Saturday morning and head out to the Waukesha Farmers' Market. I had only been to it once before this season, so I was due for a trip. 

The farmers' market runs every Saturday from May to October, 8 am to noon on Riverfront Plaza. If you aren't familiar with the road, it is one block north of Main Street along the river. The road is now closed off completely on Saturdays due to the increased size of the market. If you can find the river in downtown, you found the market. 

We parked at my job because I had to drop off my bike for a bike/bar crawl later that night and just walked over. But if you park in the parking lots by the former antique malls, be ready to donate $1 to a great non-profit organization. Because the antique malls are no longer open, but the property is owned by a private company, they need to instill the parking codes still. Berg Management manages the lots and decided to offer up the lots to different organization to collect funds each weekend. High School activities and athletics have been fortunate to reap the benefits of this collection already. If you aren't willing to pay $1 to park, there is still plenty of free parking throughout downtown Waukesha, you may just have to walk a bit further. 

We started by visiting the two booths on the north side of the river. This leaves room for plenty of expansion for the market. One of these booths was the only booth at the market to have any fresh dill as we found out when my dad was asked by every person walking by where he got his dill. The other booth was a jewelry booth that makes really cool bracelets from license plates. You have to see them to understand but I hope to get one before the market is done this Fall.

Yummy mixes at the Waukesha Farmers' Market

 We crossed the river by Main Street Plaza and headed into the market. The market literally has everything - vegetables, fruit, plants, flowers, bread, meat, eggs, jewelry, soap, honey, clothing and more. And each week its a little different too.

Fresh produce at the Waukesha Farmer's Market

Jewelry at the Waukesha Farmers' Market

We stopped at Decatur Cheese first because I remember trying the cheese at the Fort Atkinson market and it was delicious. We bought some muenster and we found a cheese curd that my mom didn't mind - ranch flavored white cheddar curd. We didn't buy any but it went on the list.

Decatur Cheese at Waukesha Farmers' Market

I was on a mission to get some fresh local produce for a Greek dip (found via Pinterest) I was making for my MKEFoodies picnic the next day (more on that to come next week). I needed cucumbers, dill and red pepper. We found some gigantic cucumbers, mini peppers and of course the dill. My parents got tomatoes, the cheese, pickles, the dill and a mixed basket of onions. The pickles are currently sitting in a crock in the kitchen doing their pickle thing. I can hardly wait to have one!

Local produce at the Waukesha Farmers' Market

I also bought myself a spinach asiago mini bread and my mom got an oatmeal raisin cookie that we called breakfast. I got the bread after having a bite off my friend Carolyn's a few months prior at the market and it was heavenly. The cookie was gone after I was handed just one little piece so I'm guessing no complaints.

Beautiful quilt at the Waukesha Farmers' Market

Some of the local downtown restaurants and shops are setting up as part of the farmers' market as well and I find this a really smart idea. Montecito restaurant had plenty of ooey-gooey desserts that looked delicious, Oh What A Day Cupcakes had a small booth with some of their offerings, The Steaming Cup had tea and coffee available, the Record shop on Clinton brought out some of their CDs and DVDs to sell, Plowshare had a booth with baskets and Key Westconsin serves up breakfast seeing as they are on Riverview Plaza. There may have been others, I might have just missed them.

If you get a chance, I highly recommend checking out this market. On Sept. 8 is the annual Art Fest in Waukesha that closes down Main Street with local artisans on display. Come make a day of Waukesha, enjoy the farmer's market, some breakfast/brunch/lunch and then the Art Fest and come see what Waukesha is all about.

What a Difference a Year Makes

This is my 100th post and I struggled thinking of something spectacular enough to do that would justify it being #100. I finally decided to bring it full circle and write about downtown Waukesha and the changes that have happened in the last year because..well...there have been many. I do believe that almost all of them have been for the better.

Let's start with West Main Street and this is one of the latest changes to happen. Bodway's is now Mainstream. From a Freeman article, Tony Bodway decided to sell the business to two customers with great bar & grill experience. You shouldn't notice too many changes but some great additions like more drink specials and more sports on TV.

Mainstream, formerly Bodway's

The Carpet Store on the West End went out of business and the building was purchased by George of Waukesha Tattoo. So many rumors are going around about what the building will be but I will not go into those because they are just that - rumors. Whatever it becomes, I know it will be amazing because George is a great business owner in Waukesha.

O'Brien's Photography Studio and The Sign Shoppe closed to make way for the mildly anticipated Kendall Apartments that will be coming to the west end. The discussions about this building and parking are completely comical at times when listening to the suggested resolutions. I believe that the Alderman of downtown has so many fish to fry that the changes coming to the west end are not a priority. Not saying that his current concerns don't need attention (because they definitely do) but anyone can see that some of the decisions made for parking at the west end will not pan out well. Watch for bumpers on the road. (not speed bumps folks, I'm talking bumpers getting ripped off cars from close quarters!)

Former O'Brien's Photography and The Sign Shoppe - Soon to be Kendall Apts,

ReStyle Studio went into the former Katydids. ReStyle was located in the Meadowbrook Shopping Center. It is a home goods consignment shop and has unique pieces from local artists. In May, Restyle opened a women's clothing consignment shop. I currently consign with the shop and cannot tell you how trendy the shop is. I have never been into such a classy shop for consignment - just makes you really feel good about having your clothing there.

ReStyle Studio on Main Street. Home Consignment

ReStyle Studio Women's Clothing Consignment Boutique

River's End Gallery expanded by buying the old Sprizzo's location (that was also a gallery for a bit.) The two locations were turned into one with a beautiful new stone facade added to the front. It is truly a beautiful gallery.

Newly expanded River's End Gallery on Main Street

American Tattoo is now Jedi Tattoo. The owner of American Tattoo put the shop up for sale and left for Florida. There are many stories going around as to why he left, but I won't get into it. Jedi Tattoo brought a huge interactive dinosaur to Freeman Friday Night Live two weeks ago that was a great hit with the kids.

Jedi Tattoo on West Main Street

There is a recent rumor of a beer pub going into the old Save N Save however there is a lot of work needed to the building and people are questioning if it will be able to open. There is another beer pub slated for the old Beer Goggles/Mainstage/Sheperds (depending how old you are!) I guess this was brought up once before but people question how the copper brew kettles will work in the building.


Clinton Street Gallery moved to Main Street next to The Steaming Cup to have a larger space. (No renaming was done.) Their former location was filled with a record/DVD/CD resale shop that has some of the rarest albums that I have seen.

Clinton Street Gallery now on Main Street

Healing Forest Studio went into the old Mango Clothing store and Mango moved next to Nice Ash on Main Street into a former H&R Block location. The Studio offers fine art classes and Mango now has more exposure.

Mango on Main Street

While I'm on this part of town, can anyone explain to me if ?Harlow's? is open? It still has salon stuff inside but I never see anything change or anyone go in the place. 

Three Sister's Spirit relocated to Clinton Street in a building that had been vacant for a while. The building has been remodeled with lovely apartments above it now. The location is smaller for Three Sister's Spirit but they didn't need so much space before.

Key Westconsin has been thriving during the Farmer's Markets due to smart planning of opening up in the AM for breakfast on Saturday's and getting people to see the menu. I love the food and the fun atmosphere. They are also doing some great things with the blog and social media. Hope they keep it up and if they can't - they can give someone's email a jingle - AHEM!

Key Westconsin

People's Park finally reopened bigger and better than ever after a fire in February of 2011 shut them down for a year. They expanded to add a bar and additional seating onto the second floor as well as...wait for it...rooftop dining! I have yet to get to the rooftop but the second floor is very nice.

People's Park - Main St & Clinton St.

The Potter's Shop has turned into a large class space and the artist's that had their work in the shop have spread out around downtown into other galleries.

No restaurant has filled the vacant location in the The Clarke Hotel. Rumor is that the location is extremely overpriced for the size, but still looking for a tenant.

Bieg Boutique is moving from the 5 Points to Broadway as part of The Clarke Hotel. They don't need such a large space and have decided to be a bit of a gift shop for those staying at the hotel.

Bieg Boutique moving from the 5 Points

Bieg Boutiques new location on Broadway

Beading Hearts Studio relocated to the 5 Points from South Street to the Three Sister's Spirit former location. This move alone doubled the business the DeDe had been doing. She has now added yarn in addition to her beautiful beads and classes.

Beading Hearts Studio  now on the 5 Points

Bells and Whistles and Blush Wedding & Event Planning has just opened in downtown. This shop will feature custom wedding accessories as well as the planing office for weddings.

Bells & Whistles on Broadway

RiverMill Foods on Main Street just celebrated 1 year in downtown. This shop has the best salad/soup/sandwich combos in my humble opinion. And don't get my started on their cheesecakes. (insert Barney Stinson Lengendary quote here). I am glad this place opened on the 5 points.

Alterations Unlimited recently closed without much of an explanation. Lena's is still open on Broadway for those that need a seamstress.

Montecito Ristorante and Lounge opened in El Ranchito's former location. They put in a clear garage door and offer a great indoor/outdoor lounge with amazing drinks. The inside of the restaurant is hard to see with the tinted windows (that they cannot do anything about). I have yet to eat here but the drinks are mighty fine. El Ranchito moved up to the Aurora Pharmacy strip mall on Delafield and has since closed. Nothing is in the strip mall, which means there are two completely empty strip malls in Waukesha - odd, yet Walgreens and Aldi's want to annex into the city, tear down homes, put in retention ponds and build new - doesn't make sense to this girl!

Montecito on Broadyway - taken from RiverMill Foods

A Stroke of Genius - Paint, Canvas and Wine Studio opened on Broadway near Gaspar. I have to walk this area again because I didn't see it today. But if there is wine, its been added to my list as a must-do. 

I saw on my walk today that a Fran'tic Screen Printing will be going in next to the River Mart and Popcorn store on Broadway & Main Street (its a walk thru location). This used to be Soundwaves way back when. It will be interesting to find out pricing and capabilities as I have always wanted to make custom shirts for a party.

Pandora's Closet opened on Main Street that I believe is a consignment or second hand clothing store. These owners also opened The Furniture Closet, a second hand furniture store on Broadway. I have not been into either of these but I do know that the owner/manager? of Pandora's Closet is always cheerful and polite and keeps his store front immaculate and sweeps the sidewalk.

Pandora's Closet

The newest store to Waukesha is called Copacetic, a hat store. This went into Serendipity Scrapbooks old location. I have yet to get in here.

Copacetic on Main Street

Fox River Antiques became Antiques and Uniques on Main. The vintage hardware portion of the mall closed and is now a gold and silver buying shop. The two antique shops in the bank parking lot relocated to Racine Ave near Dairy Queen. The status of the buildings was questionable on many levels. There are the ever looming convention center rumors and also the buildings were literally crumbling on the tenants. They are available now for short term leases but I wouldn't suggest anyone moving in unless your product cannot be destroyed when the roof falls in.

Former Antique stop that moved to Racine Ave.

Gold & Silver buying shop

Escamilla Entertianment & Dance Studio opened on Gaspar Street next to Chill in a former record store? (The windows were always papered up but I believe that is what it was). Now the windows are open and you can watch the dancers in action. They are terrific. The studio offers classes that I might join in the next year.


Allo! Chocolat expanded into the former Coffee N Beans to offer a studio with chocolate classes. These classes are open to the public or can be done for special occasions - work parties, bachelorette parties, birthdays, ladies clubs.

Allo! Chocolat's classroom space at Main Street Plaza

O' What A Day Cafe opened in Main Street Plaza just a few months back. This is a gourmet cupcake shop with many daily flavors offered. They are delicious. They hope to have Alterra coffee and sandwiches in the near future.

Oh What a Day Cafe at Main Street Plaza

Cookies Galore & More unfortunately shut its doors this year, but Cake Pops by Design opened. I have seen their creations and they look fabulous. They have limited store front hours and are mainly by appointment but keep them in mind for a unique treat to give someone.

Cake Pops by Design

Andrea's Hair Studio opened on Broadway near Rochester Deli and just down from there it seems that another hair salon will be opening. The place didn't have any beauty supplies or look to it yet, but the window says opening soon. Andrea's looks very nice and modern but I have not had any services done by them.

Andrea's Hair Studio on Broadway

Fiesta Peluche I believe is still in it's first year. This is a party supply store on the East End of (downtown) Broadway.  I have never been in but the window paint looks fun enough that if I'm looking for some party supplies in the future I will head on in.

Fiesta Peluche & new hair salon on Broadway

This is on the other side of the river but I still consider it downtown so I'm adding it. Yanke Saloon has closed and I believe the bar was purchased by Fuzzy's. When I walked by last week, the interior was being completely gutted so we shall see what it becomes. Not sure the status of the apartments above but with the building being so gorgeous, I think that they should be remodeled like the ones on Clinton that are above Three Sister's Spirit.

HOLY CRAP - that was way more information than I thought I was going to have on downtown Waukesha. I'm sure I missed a spot or two but I truly hope my information is accurate and I tried to stay away from the gossip when I could and just talk about first hand experiences.

So I hope you enjoyed by 100th post and with the Waukesha County Fair running Wednesday, July 18 through Sunday, July 22 on the Waukesha Expo Grounds, I will have very limited time to blog due to the marketing support that I give the Fair. For all the details on the Fair, visit the website. (yes that was a partial shameless plug!)

Until my next post, Happy Eating!