Some old friends came by unexpectedly not long ago. We had a good visit with them, remembering old times, catching up on current events, and discussing politics. As the evening progressed, I realized I should serve them refreshments. This would be a difficult task, as I haven’t been to the market recently and my supply of food was down to almost nothing. I surveyed the cupboard, trying to find a good choice but couldn’t find anything appropriate. I refused to serve these dear people stale crackers, slightly moldy cheese, or overripe fruit. I quickly scanned the contents of my refrigerator and freezer. How lucky could I be? Wedged between the fish sticks and popsicles in my freezer was a wonderful option…cheesecake.

Cheesecake can be stored for several days in the refrigerator or frozen for months. It tastes as fresh as the day you purchase it. It thaws in just a few minutes, is easy to slice into serving portions and simple to serve. Its creamy texture makes it easy to swallow, as well.

Cheesecake is a truly delightful treat, I like to keep a few around for just these sorts of occasions. It is so versatile, it freezes well, is easy to serve, and can be used for just about any occasion. Whether it is a sweet snack, a handy dessert, or a covered-dish item for pot-luck dinners, cheesecake is an unforgettable and appropriate choice. I’ve even been known to give cheesecake to others as gifts.

Cheesecake boasts a delicious uniqueness all its own, with the perfect combination of tartness and sweetness. There are a number of kinds of cheesecake from which to make your choice, making each seem like a exquisitely different dessert. Of these different choices, fruit-topped cheesecake offers a healthy and colorful option. Picture juicy, red strawberries, firm blueberries, or sweet peaches ladled generously over a slice of New York Style cheesecake and feel your mouth water. For that extra-tart, exotic pleaser, try Key Lime cheesecake. Turtle cheesecake has that decadently rich taste sensation that is truly delicious.

The cheesecake in my freezer just happened to be New York Style. This turned out to be the perfect choice for these particular friends, who are non-pretentious and very down-to-earth. I quickly placed the container on the counter to start thawing, started a pot of coffee and by the time it was finished brewing, the cheesecake was ready to slice and serve. What a delightful visit we had, conversing between mouthfuls of this deliciously refreshing treat.

Cheesecake is a handy and impressive treat to keep on hand for those surprise visitors who you know are going to be arriving sometime. A well stocked freezer with those emergency supplies turns what could have been a stressful time into a celebration. Sometimes I think my friends come whenever they get hungry for this sweet treat!