Grandma's Sweet Cheese Pie

I found this other Bubbie Shirley gem while flipping through my bridal shower recipe collection. It feels good to share as much of her joy of cooking with you as I can. She really was talented in the kitchen. Here's a visual; Shirley was tall, about 5'10, black hair, brown eyes, and very regal and statuesque. I most certainly did not get her height. She loved to write greeting cards in her beautiful script for every occasion. She was excellent at rhyming, something she passed down to many women in the family, myself included. She loved to write her own lyrics to songs and sing them to the crowd at family occasions. I definitely have done that my whole life 🙋🏼. She ended every song or poem with her signature lines,

"Mazal and bracha, gazunt and Hatzlocha, we wish it all for you."

That is Jew speak for blessings, health, and success. We all knew these lines were coming, so the crowd would jokingly sing along in unison. The power of words and music bringing people together never ceases to amaze me. The same holds true for food.  This dessert is perfect for a brunch, dairy meal, and the upcoming holiday of Shavuot.

Oven 350. Mix a cup and a half of graham cracker crumbs with 1 tbsp of cooled, melted butter. Press down firmly and evenly in a greased 10 inch pie plate or springform pan. Bake the crust for ten minutes. Set aside.

Filling: a pound of farmer cheese. 3/4 cup each whole milk and sugar. 1 egg. 1 tsp vanilla. Mix well, pour in crust, and bake 20 minutes. Let cool completely. Whip a cup of sour cream or plain yogurt with a tsp and a half of vanilla. Spread on top of pie. Top that with sliced strawberries, any type of other berry, or drained crushed pineapple. Do not attempt if you are lactose intolerant😂.