tattoo empek empek

Many people would agree that the best birthday cake is

the cheesecake. There are others who cannot imagine a

world where cheesecake is not created. Nothing

compares to having a delicious dairy treat every once

in a while - almost everyone loves a slice of

cheesecake.

Cheesecake and the Ancient Greek

Many believe that cheesecake originated as a New York

City delicacy somewhere around the 20th century.

Surprisingly, Ancient Greeks have been creating

cheesecake for thousands of years before any American

even tried to put their hands - and mouth- on the

delicious indulgence. There are several publications

indicating that cheesecakes were first created during

the seventh and eighth centuries B.C. right on the

island of Samos in Greece.

Back then, the Greeks created cheesecakes by

combining, wheat flour, honey and cheese that had been

pounded to a paste-like and smooth consistency. The

mixture was then formed into cakes, baked and then

cooled before handed out. During the first Olympic

Games that happened in Greece in 776 B.C., the

athletes ate cheesecake, which provided them with the

energy they needed for several rigorous competitions.

Cheesecake became a popular Greek delicacy and was

even the ancestor of Western culture’s wedding cake

tradition. It also became a custom for a Greek bride

to bake and serve cheesecakes to her new husband’s

friends as a gesture of hospitality. This concept in

marriages eventually paved the way for wedding cakes.

During the time when the Romans occupied Greece,

cheesecake recipes were one of their rewards of war.

They quickly adapted the delightful taste of the

cheesecake and being a powerful empire that they were,

the Romans went on to conquer and occupy much of

Europe and Great Britain. During their conquests, the

Romans introduced the concept of cheesecake to various

lands, which came under their influence. It was only a

matter of time before European migrants carried with

them their treasured cheesecake recipes to the land of

the brave and the free, the America.

Today’s Cheesecake

Although the original cheesecake recipe came from

Greece, it quickly adapted several culinary styles and

variations during its journey to other territories.

The basic ingredients, namely the cheese, flour and

sweetener, are still present but the contemporary

cheesecake bear little resemblance to the cheesecake

of Ancient Greece.

During the late 19th century, New York dairy farmers

invented cream cheese, which quickly became the

popular type of cheese used for cheesecakes. The flour

used for the crust was substituted with cookie crumbs

and graham cracker crumbs, which made the cheesecakes

from the United States popular. Ancient cheesecake

recipes also use honey as sweetener, but it was

eventually replaced by the more common granulated cane

sugar. In addition, the standard cheesecake today also

includes fillings, such as: milk or cream, flavorings,

butter and eggs.

Even the method of baking has evolved. Back then, all

the ingredients were mixed together all at once but

modern cheesecakes are made with layering the

ingredients; first the crust is made, and then the

filling and lastly, the toppings, if available, are

added. The toppings also have unlimited variety, which

include spices, chocolate, nuts, fruits, and whipped

cream, among other choices.

But even though the ingredients and the process of

baking have evolved, everyone still owes the divine

treat to the Greeks. Cheesecake has lived for years

and still continues to prosper - it is an ancient

delight that will never go out of style no matter how

• 
• 
• 
• 
•