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    Home / Meal Type / Desserts / Cakes & Cupcakes / No Bake Caramel Cheesecake Mousse with Candied Walnuts

    No Bake Caramel Cheesecake Mousse with Candied Walnuts

    November 25, 2014 by Sarah Menanix · Modified: Aug 29, 2020

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    No Bake Caramel Cheesecake Mousse

    No Bake Caramel Cheesecake Mousse

    One reason I love when my mom visits (besides the dishes, of course:), is that she helps me brainstorm recipe ideas. And the holidays are her specialty. When I told her my idea for these no bake caramel cheesecake mousse cups, she added "and you can top them with grandma's candied walnuts." Then she went on and on about how my late great grandma made THE BEST candied walnuts every Christmas that she'd put in jars as holiday gifts.

    Candied Walnuts

    This is the same grandma who had hand-cured olives on every holiday table from the olive trees lining their property and an unlimited supply of fresh eggs in the henhouse. Also the same grandma who, I discovered as I was sorting through her recipes on a recent trip home, kept among her cherished passed-on belongings a recipe card for Spinach Gelatin Salad that included: 4 packages lime jello, 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 carton cottage cheese, 1 cup diced celery, 3 tablespoons minced onion, and 1 package thawed frozen spinach. So I was simultaneously intrigued and skeptical about the nuts.

    As soon as she got home on Friday, my mom texted me a picture of my great grandma's tattered and well-loved candied "glazed" walnuts recipe. Along with a card I wrote to them when I still didn't have a grasp on the use of capital letters or punctuation:

    "To GranDma and GranDPa I like you a lot I live in a Two Story house I like your chickens Love Sarah"

    Grandma's Glazed Nuts

    All relevant facts, obviously. I think I should include that in my compliments from here on out:

    "Dear Annie, I like the way you toss your hair. I live in a one story house. I like your record collection. Love, Sarah" (With punctuation because I'm out of breath from reading the last card).

    Candied Glaze Walnuts

    Caramel Cheesecake Mousse

    ANYWAY, these are not my grandma's candied walnuts you see here. Sorry, Grandma. I messed those up.

    Twice.

    Caramel Cheesecake Mousse Cups

    For my first go at it, I cut the recipe in half, set the sugar to boil with a 5-minute timer, and carelessly went about washing dishes. I'm sure you can see where this is going. I should know better too - I've made (and burned) caramel many times before. That batch scorched the bottom of the pan.

    No Bake Caramel Cheesecake

    The second time, I let it go for a couple of minutes after it boiled, watching it like a hawk. When I went to "pour syrup over nuts, stirring constantly" the whole thing turned into a giant blob. Perhaps the chopped versus whole walnuts left more surface area to be coated?

    Fortunately I rescued the blob by putting it in the oven, letting the sugar melt , and stirring it around. They still weren't the prettiest though. Plus, I can't very well send you into the world with a recipe that says "It'll turn into a giant blob. Don't worry. You'll fix that."

    Instead, I kept Grandma's ratios (eliminating the butter/margarine) and skipped straight to the oven. This third batch turned out crispy, beautifully caramelized, and sweetened into walnut candy crack without putting up a fight. Plus, no boiling = less dishes. Win.

    Caramel Cheesecake Mousse

    All the nut drama aside, these no bake caramel cheesecake mousse cups come together quickly without any fuss. I made my own caramel sauce and candied walnuts, but if you're in a time crunch, subbing in some good-quality store-bought caramel sauce and candied walnuts will do the trick. And if you're opting for one simplification over the other, I urge you to make these quick candied walnuts as the finishing touch.

    No Bake Cheesecake Mousse Cups

    Eat this with me: a bed of crunchy ginger snaps, a few heavenly spoonfuls of light velvety caramel cheesecake mousse, and crispy candied walnuts to leave a lasting impression. If you're looking for a quick last-minute Thanksgiving dessert that will still be the star of the party, this is it.

    No Bake Cheesecake Cups

    They're small enough that you'll have room for multiple desserts, a T-day necessity. Plus, you can twist the mason jar lids on and easily transport them to wherever you're going for Thanksgiving...or a holiday party...or your favorite neighbors who haven't yet complained of a sugar coma.

    Thanks for reading Snixy Kitchen! To stay up on what's coming out of my kitchen,  follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Bloglovin', or Pinterest, or subscribe via e-mail to get new recipes right to your inbox.

    Continue to Content
    No Bake Caramel Cheesecake Mousse

    No Bake Caramel Cheesecake Mousse with Candied Walnuts

    Yield: 6 small cups
    Prep Time: 2 minutes
    Cook Time: 9 minutes
    Total Time: 11 minutes

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup + 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
    • ½ cup powdered sugar
    • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • 4 ounces cream cheese
    • 3 tablespoons caramel sauce (recipe below, but in a pinch, good-quality store-bought will work too)
    • ½ cup candied walnuts (recipe below, but again, store-bought candied nuts will work too)
    • 1 cup crumbled ginger snaps (I use Trader Joe's gluten-free ginger snaps because they're extra crispy and crumbly. I crush it until there are still a few pieces just smaller than a dime)

    Instructions

    1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk the whipped cream on high speed until it begins to froth, a couple of minutes.
    2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla and continue beating until soft peaks form. Transfer the whipped cream to a bowl and set aside.
    3. In the bowl of the stand mixer (no need to clean it), add the cream cheese and beat on medium-high speed until smooth.
    4. Add the caramel sauce and beat until well combined, scraping down the sides as necessary.
    5. Fold in the whipped cream and mix on low-speed until completely smooth.
    6. Divide the ginger snaps among the 6 small dessert cups or mason jars (If you use mason jars, you can put the lid on and take it to go!), creating about a ½-inch layer of ginger snaps in the bottom.
    7. Using a piping bag fitted with a large tip*, pipe the mousse into the jars over the top of the ginger snaps.
    8. Top with a sprinkling of candied walnuts.
    9. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. Keep any leftovers covered and chilled for up to two days.

    Notes

    *If you don't have a piping bag and pastry tips, you can also cut the corner off of a gallon-sized Ziploc bag or just scoop the cheesecake mousse into the dessert cups.

    © Sarah Menanix
    Continue to Content
    No Bake Caramel Cheesecake Mousse

    Candied Walnuts

    Yield: ½ cup
    Prep Time: 2 minutes
    Cook Time: 9 minutes
    Total Time: 11 minutes

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup chopped walnuts
    • 4 teaspoons granulated sugar
    • 2 teaspoons light corn syrup
    • ¼ teaspoons salt

    Instructions

    1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat mat.
    2. Combine the sugar, corn syrup, and salt in a medium bowl until completely mixed. Add the walnuts and stir to coat completely.
    3. Spread the walnuts out on the lined baking sheet, trying to separate them as best as you can, but it's okay if some of them clump.
    4. Bake at 325 for 4 minutes, then use a rubber spatula to mix up the nuts, trying to break up any clumps. Bake for 4 minutes longer. Stir once more, and cook for 1 minute longer, or until the nuts turn a deep golden caramel color (but are not burned!).
    5. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet. You can also break apart clumps when you pull them out to cool. They'll get crispy as they cool.
    6. Once they're cool, sprinkle them on top of the caramel cheesecake cups. Store any extras in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
    © Sarah Menanix

    Continue to Content
    No Bake Caramel Cheesecake Mousse

    Salted Caramel Sauce

    Yield: 1½ cups
    Prep Time: 2 minutes
    Cook Time: 9 minutes
    Total Time: 11 minutes

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup sugar
    • 2 tablespoons water
    • 200 ml (⅚ cup) heavy whipping cream
    • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract (I use Rodelle organic vanilla extract)
    • 1½ tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
    • ½ teaspoon fleur de sel

    Instructions

    1. Prepare the butter and salt in a small bowl so you're ready when you need to add it.
    2. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy whipping cream and vanilla over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Reduce the heat to low to keep it warm while you prepare the rest.
    3. Heat the sugar and water in a separate small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon until the sugar dissolves and it starts to boil, about 4 minutes. (I recommend between a 1.5-quart and 2.5-quart saucepan; any larger and you’ll have a hard time using the candy thermometer as it won’t full submerge in the caramel).
    4. Stop stirring and clip a candy thermometer to the edge of the pot. Let the sugar boil without stirring at all, until it reaches 305°F, about 3-5 minutes. While it boils, grab a clean wooden spoon or rinse and dry the one you were stirring with before. (If you don't have a candy thermometer, for caramel sauce, it's okay - just boil until the sugar begins to turn amber, making sure to keep a close eye on it so the sugar doesn't burn. As soon as it turns amber, it will quickly darken, so immediately add the butter to cool it down).
    5. Add the butter and fleur de sel, and slowly stir in the warm whipping cream. Be careful, as it will react and sizzle quite a bit when you start adding the cream. The temperature will also drop when you add the cream.
    6. When the sizzling calms down, return to medium low heat and cook, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes.
    7. Immediately transfer to a heat-proof bowl. If the caramel solidifies at all while you wait to serve, don't worry, you can just pop it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds and it'll soften up again.
    8. Store any leftovers in an air-tight container in the fridge for about a month.

    Notes

    This recipe makes more than you'll need, but you won't be able to completely submerge the thermometer if you reduce the recipe, so keep any leftovers in a air-tight container in the fridge to serve over ice cream or these apple pie puffs. Just remove from the fridge and microwave for 15-20 seconds to soften up before drizzling.

    © Sarah Menanix

     

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    62 Comments

    1. Amy @ Amy's Healthy Baking -

      November 25, 2014 at 12:40 am

      Girl, I have been WAITING to see these! No, scratch that... DYING to see these!! You had me so excited, and they're even better than I imagined! Especially the story about your grandma's jello salad recipe (oh my gosh, don't even get me started on how many different molds my grandma had and then passed on to me) and your punctuation. Too cute! And yes, I totally would've laughed and followed your directions for, "It'll turn into a giant blob. Don't worry." Because I totally know you wouldn't lead me astray. :) Wish we could've had a Friendsgiving this year so I could've tried one! Oh well, maybe next year?? Pinned!

      Reply
      • Sarah Menanix -

        November 25, 2014 at 11:30 pm

        Haha - aww. I'd love to have a friendsgiving! I'll bring this spinach jello pie - you bring all of the cookies please.

        Reply
        • Amy @ Amy's Healthy Baking -

          November 25, 2014 at 11:37 pm

          Deal!! I'm going to be up to my eyeballs in cookies the next few days... I want to do a cookie week next month, so gotta get all those new recipes tested! ;)

          Reply
    2. [email protected] -

      November 25, 2014 at 3:43 am

      No bake desserts just got 10 times better! These look fantastic! I want to eat at least 3!

      Reply
    3. Kelly @ Mostly Homemade Mom -

      November 25, 2014 at 4:38 am

      Moms have the BEST recipe brainstorming ideas! This dessert looks amazing!

      Reply
    4. Baby June -

      November 25, 2014 at 4:53 am

      Those look amazing! I'm sure the candied nuts were worth it--they sound fabulous :)

      Reply
    5. [email protected] -

      November 25, 2014 at 5:12 am

      All that recipe testing definitely sounds like it was worth it! Because well, these nuts look kinda perfect and this cheesecake is absolutely drool-worthy! Just love the personal-sized portions! I want THESE instead of pie on Thanksgiving. Just sayin'. ;)

      Reply
      • Sarah Menanix -

        November 25, 2014 at 11:31 pm

        Good news is they're so small you can have these AND pie. More dessert = always a good idea;)

        Reply
    6. Liz @ Floating Kitchen -

      November 25, 2014 at 5:15 am

      These look delicious! And I love the photo of the old recipe card. I love finding my grandmothers and great aunt's recipes cards with all their handwritten notes, stains, etc. It feels like you are really in the kitchen with them still when you are using those!

      Reply
      • Sarah Menanix -

        November 25, 2014 at 11:34 pm

        The stains! Yes! That's how you know it's a cherished and well-loved recipe.

        Reply
    7. Rachel -

      November 25, 2014 at 6:02 am

      Okay, as someone who isn't crazy about Cheesecake (I know....) these look to die-for. I would not be able to resist myself around a little bowl of heaven like this.
      Your mom was right - those walnuts look delicious and are the perfect topping to the dessert. Such a great recipe!

      Rachel
      http://rachelinflight.com

      Reply
    8. Jessica @ A Kitchen Addiction -

      November 25, 2014 at 6:26 am

      I love incorporating family recipes in my recipes! Those candied walnuts sound like they'd be great on so many things!

      Reply
    9. Jill -

      November 25, 2014 at 6:37 am

      Girl, anything called "no bake" gets this disaster of a chefs attention!! These look so delicious, I'm going to get my bf to help me make them this weekend for our couples-giving. Gorgeous photography too - in fact, can I just eat one of these for breakfast right now?? XX

      Jill @ http://www.champagneforeveryday.com

      Reply
      • Sarah Menanix -

        November 25, 2014 at 11:36 pm

        Oh! I hope you love them too - please tell me how they turn out for you:) (And yes, totally breakfast food - they have cream cheese in them and you put cream cheese on bagels, so therefore, this is breakfast).

        Reply
    10. Sarah | Broma Bakery -

      November 25, 2014 at 6:37 am

      These photos are FANTASTIC, Sarah! Jeeze. Just beautiful. Also I'm dying over your letter to the grandparents. I just love little kids' writing. Thanks for making me laugh this morning!!

      Reply
      • Sarah Menanix -

        November 25, 2014 at 11:38 pm

        Thank you so much, Sarah! You're the sweetest. I will pull out all my childhood embarrassing stops to make you laugh any time you want;)

        Reply
    11. Jocelyn @BruCrew Life -

      November 25, 2014 at 6:55 am

      Yay for cute cheesecakes in a jar! Love the fun topping and the story behind how it came to be.

      Reply
    12. Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom -

      November 25, 2014 at 7:01 am

      Your mom sounds so fun! Love her idea to use your great grandma's candied walnuts and I LOVE the idea of putting them in jars as holiday gifts!! These caramel cheesecake mousse desserts are awesome!! and I LOVE the note from you as a kid to your grandparents!!! I'm been saving a few from my oldest and can't wait to share them with her when she's older :) so sweet! Have a happy Thanksgiving!!

      Reply
      • Sarah Menanix -

        November 25, 2014 at 11:40 pm

        Thank you so much, Alice! This is something my mom was SO great at - saving little tidbits from my childhood. The notes are the easiest to save and always the most meaningful over time.

        Reply
    13. Jen @ Baked by an Introvert -

      November 25, 2014 at 7:18 am

      This has got to be the best no bake cheesecake EVER! Those candied walnuts take it right over the top. Excellent job. And I adore the story behind the recipe.

      Reply
    14. Veronica -

      November 25, 2014 at 7:45 am

      I love your recipes and beautiful stories of your family! You brought back so many memories of Jello mold recipes but I do have one that I love cranberry mold! I also make Cinnamon Spiced Pecans! Thank you for the recipe!

      Reply
    15. Andi @ The Weary Chef -

      November 25, 2014 at 7:51 am

      I'm making that spinach jell-o salad! (Not really. I'm still recovering from just reading about it.) This dessert, on the other hand, looks heaven sent. I'm glad you got the nuts just right for these beauties. Happy Thanksgiving, Sarah!

      Reply
      • Sarah Menanix -

        November 25, 2014 at 11:41 pm

        Bahaha - Please make it and share it on your blog. IT WILL DEFINITELY GO VIRAL. ;) Happy Thanksgiving to you too, Andi!

        Reply
    16. Melissa Falk -

      November 25, 2014 at 7:57 am

      Beautiful! I appreciate any dessert that is "no-bake". Thanks!

      Reply
    17. Sheri Nix -

      November 25, 2014 at 8:17 am

      Glad my visit helped! This dessert looks delicious! I'm not sure I ever had the "pleasure" of tasting Grandma's Spinach Gelatin Salad, but I do remember a green jello mold gracing grandma's Thanksgiving table so no doubt it was served. I wish I had a memory of tasting it so I could tell you that regardless of the disgusting sounding ingredients, it was delicious! :)

      Reply
      • Sarah Menanix -

        November 25, 2014 at 11:42 pm

        Oh gosh - maybe you blocked it out? I think that no matter what, it has to have been disgusting...should I make it for Thursday?

        Reply
    18. Cate @ Chez CateyLou -

      November 25, 2014 at 8:40 am

      So much fun that you brainstorm with your mom - I love that! This looks so delicious. What a gorgeous and flavorful dessert.

      Reply
    19. Natalie @ Tastes Lovely -

      November 25, 2014 at 9:28 am

      I just love handwritten recipes on notecards. I'm impressed that recipes would turn out so well back then, no pictures or anything! So neat that you still have the original recipe card! And that little note you wrote them is so cute. I love that she kept it. Grandmas are the best. Even if they have recipe cards for the oddest sounding spinach jello, can't imagine what that tastes like, or what course you would serve it? Appetizer, side, dessert, all 3?

      This cheesecake mousse sounds delicious! I love that their little individual ones too, those kind of desserts seem to taste better. And you definitely nailed the candied nuts. Can't wait to make these! Hope you have a great Thanksgiving Sarah!

      Reply
      • Sarah Menanix -

        November 25, 2014 at 11:44 pm

        I know! I'm such a visual learner that without a photo, it's so hard for me to feel motivated to even TRY the recipe. Probably all 3 haha. Mystery salad! We should do a blog series of resurrecting 50s recipes. EXACTLY AS THEY WERE. Then have a potluck and test them all. hahaha.

        Thanks so much, Natalie! Have a delicious Thanksgiving too!

        Reply
    20. Lisa / Good on Paper -

      November 25, 2014 at 10:23 am

      you had me at no bake!! these look amazing sarah! so cute the card is handwritten! make sure you scan that and save it ;) also love how the desserts are in cute jars. those lucky neighbors of yours ;)

      Reply
      • Sarah Menanix -

        November 25, 2014 at 11:46 pm

        OH! I was so inspired by the s'mores pot de creme from Theo's birthday - I was originally planning to make cute labels like those to put on the jars....but then...I got....busy. I DID, however, put the lids on them when I brought them over to the neighbors - made it so much easier to transport.

        Reply
    21. Sharon @ What The Fork Food Blog -

      November 25, 2014 at 12:09 pm

      This dessert looks so amazing - no bake?! LOVE! Your photos are all so gorgeous too :)

      Reply
    22. Jaren (Diary of a Recipe Collector) -

      November 25, 2014 at 12:42 pm

      I love looking through all my mom's recipes! She always gives me great inspiration! These sound fabulous!

      Reply
    23. Tina @ Just Putzing Around the Kitchen -

      November 25, 2014 at 12:54 pm

      I love everything about this post. Candied nuts are my favorite holiday snack EVER. Also, I expect all future written communications between us to be like baby Sarah's note, ok?

      Reply
      • Sarah Menanix -

        November 25, 2014 at 11:47 pm

        To Tina: I like your cats. My coffee table has a scratch on it. I like the way you say "<3" to me daily. Love, Sarah

        Reply
    24. Kelly - Life Made Sweeter -

      November 25, 2014 at 2:13 pm

      Aaw, your little note was adorable!! Love that you brainstorm with your mom too and I couldn't help but giggle over how cute your grandmas's spinach jell-o salad recipe is :) Loving these no-bake cheesecakes, they look amazing especially topped with the candied walnuts!

      Reply
      • Sarah Menanix -

        November 25, 2014 at 11:48 pm

        "Cute" is one way to describe that salad. Bahaha. Also...um....delicious? (nope - that's not the word) Disgusting? ;) Aw - and thanks so much, Kelly!

        Reply
    25. Jessica @ Sweet Menu -

      November 25, 2014 at 2:20 pm

      Cheesecake mousse? With salted caramel sauce AND candied walnuts? Well that just sounds like a slice of heaven to me!!!

      Reply
    26. Danae @ Recipe Runner -

      November 25, 2014 at 3:27 pm

      I love using my grandma's old recipes. They are on cards just like the one you have a picture of! These cheesecakes look so perfect, love salted caramel!

      Reply
    27. Carla (@charliesue) -

      November 25, 2014 at 3:36 pm

      dear sarah i like how you make delicious desserts with cream cheese I live in an apartment on the third floor so many stairs i like your double bubble love carla

      Reply
      • Sarah Menanix -

        November 25, 2014 at 11:51 pm

        Dear Carla-sac i Like the way you use capital leTTers i'm wearing slipper socks with swirls on them i like your blue holiday garland that's spread out on my guest bed currently love sarah.

        Reply
    28. Annie | MontgomeryFest -

      November 25, 2014 at 4:33 pm

      Dear Sarah, I like the way you touch my face. I live in a tiny flat with a couch that you can sleep on. I like the way you got ma back when it comes to UPS. Love, Annie.

      Ps. That spatula standing up shot might be my all time favorite.

      Reply
      • Sarah Menanix -

        November 25, 2014 at 11:53 pm

        <3 <3 <3 Next time you come, I'll make whipped cream so you can lick the beater, k?

        Reply
    29. Dr. Jennifer Weinberg, MD, MPH, MBE -

      November 25, 2014 at 4:36 pm

      This looks and sounds delicious! What beautiful photographs!

      Reply
    30. Beth @ The First Year -

      November 25, 2014 at 7:38 pm

      Sarah, your photos are totally gorgeous!! I'm drooling!! Also, did you design your website or did a designer?

      Reply
      • Sarah Menanix -

        November 25, 2014 at 11:55 pm

        Aw - thank you so much Beth! I designed/built it myself earlier this year :)

        Reply
    31. janelle -

      November 26, 2014 at 6:22 am

      pretty and delicious looking! great idea, plus I am a sucker for anything in a jar!

      Reply
    32. Maryanne @ the little epicurean -

      November 26, 2014 at 7:09 am

      Yum! No bake desserts are the BEST for T-giving. In the past years, I usually have to fight my mom for oven space. I've learned to either make things ahead of time or use the slow cooker.

      Maybe I'm just seeing things, but in your letter, did you dot the "i" in "like" with a heart?

      Also, I like how you used fleur de sel in your salted caramel sauce. Fancy! :)

      Reply
      • Sarah Menanix -

        December 01, 2014 at 12:56 am

        Good eye! Sure did. It's the little things that tell a person you love them, right? I should dot the i in my last name with a heart from now on. Also - how can I change my blog font to make that happen?

        I'm sooooo fancy. ;) Hehe.

        Reply
    33. Melanie | Melanie Makes -

      November 26, 2014 at 7:20 am

      Absolutely LOVE the story behind these! Although I'm totally intrigued by that spinach jello salad... ;)

      Reply
    34. Nancy [email protected] -

      November 26, 2014 at 8:17 am

      Fantastic! I am all about things no bake!

      Reply
    35. Kristine @ Kristine's Kitchen -

      November 26, 2014 at 9:42 am

      I loved reading this post! From that spinach jello salad (oh my!) to the lovely recipe and memories of your grandma, you had me laughing and smiling. These no bake cheesecakes are beautiful! Your mom was right - those candied walnuts look like the perfect topping.

      Reply
      • Sarah Menanix -

        December 01, 2014 at 12:57 am

        It means so much when people tell me that they read and enjoy my stories - thank you Kristine! I am pretty sure I'm going to need to reprise that spinach jello salad on my blog...ha!

        Reply
    36. Pang @circahappy -

      November 26, 2014 at 11:11 pm

      OMG!!!! This is heavenly, Sarah. I will definitely snack on your (GranDma's) candied walnuts non stop. Your light dessert is a home run; I can see myself skipping the turkey and eat 2-3 of them in one sitting. :)

      P.S. OMG!!! Love your note; it's so adorableeeeee

      Reply
      • Sarah Menanix -

        December 01, 2014 at 12:58 am

        Haha - That's EXACTLY what I did over the holidays. My mom made a huge jar of my GranDma's candied walnuts and I definitely ate more candied walnuts than turkey. Thanks, Pang!

        Reply
    37. Isadora @ she likes food -

      November 28, 2014 at 3:45 pm

      Your grandma sounds like an amazing lady!! Hand cured olives?? From her own olive trees?? Wow! Your mom sounds pretty awesome too! And I love her idea of topping these with candied walnuts! I so want one of these right now!

      Reply
      • Sarah Menanix -

        December 01, 2014 at 12:59 am

        Right?! They also had huge orange trees over their patio. It was actually my grandpa who grew and cured the olives, but it was always a treat to eat holiday meals at their house! I wish I could send one of these cheesecake mousse cups to you!

        Reply
    38. Lisa @ Healthy Nibbles & Bits -

      November 28, 2014 at 6:33 pm

      Hah, that note is ADORABLE. I may have written something similar to my sisters, thanking them for picking me up from school.

      Oh my gosh, I've burned SO MANY candied nuts in my kitchen, too! I also like to wander around and do the dishes while things are heating on the stove. I should stop doing that whenever I'm working with sugar. Hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving!

      Reply
      • Sarah Menanix -

        December 01, 2014 at 1:01 am

        Haha - I feel like we all could take a cue from our thoughtful childhood selves who appreciated the value of a good handwritten note, right? Just think how touched your sisters would be if you thanked them for picking you with a handwritten thank you card now that you're all grown up?! Bahaha - You sound just like me - always burning sugar while doing dishes - I'm the worst. I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving too!

        Reply
    39. mira -

      November 30, 2014 at 7:54 pm

      I love these mini cheesecakes Sarah, definitely worth the effort. And the homemade candied walnuts look perfect, I've messed up candied walnuts/pecans many times, so I totally hear you! Grandma's recipes are the best, but most of the time I try to test some of my grandma's old recipes, I spend way too much time doing it :) Pinning!

      Reply
      • Sarah Menanix -

        December 01, 2014 at 1:02 am

        Thanks for sharing it Mira! I'm so glad to hear I'm not alone on the burned candied nut front. The thing about grandma's recipes is that she never wrote detailed enough instructions so I'm always left trying to figure out what she meant by this or that. Ha!

        Reply
    40. Liz -

      December 02, 2014 at 1:52 pm

      Isn't it amazing that the same person who cures their own olives can have a recipe for spinach jello? We are all so complicated!

      These little desserts look delicious and the packaging is a great idea. I usually don't make dessert (having many bakers amoung my friends) but this is one I would take to share. It would also be great for a large party.

      Great post!

      Reply

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