2000 year-old Cheesecake
Cheesecake has a long and fascinating history that stretches back thousands of years, evolving across cultures and continents into the dessert we know today. The earliest known version of cheesecake dates back to ancient Greece, around 2000 BC. Archaeologists have found evidence of cheese-based cakes on the island of Samos. These early cheesecakes were simple mixtures of fresh cheese, honey, and wheat, baked into a cake-like shape. They were even served to athletes during the first Olympic Games in 776 BCE as a source of energy. When the Romans conquered Greece, they adopted and adapted the recipe. The Roman version, called *libuma*, included crushed cheese mixed with flour and eggs, baked under hot bricks, and often flavored with bay leaves. As the Roman Empire expanded, so did cheesecake recipes, spreading throughout Europe.
The modern cheesecake we recognize today began to take shape in the 18th and 19th centuries. A major turning point came in 1872 in the United States, when a dairyman accidentally created cream cheese while attempting to reproduce a French cheese. This led to the development of a richer, smoother cheesecake texture. In 1880, cream cheese was commercially branded and sold, making it widely available for home cooks and bakers. This innovation played a crucial role in the creation of what would become the iconic American cheesecake. One of the most famous styles is New York–style cheesecake, which emerged in the early 20th century. It is known for its dense, creamy texture and rich flavor, typically made with cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and heavy cream. Italian cheesecake uses ricotta cheese and often has a lighter, grainier texture. In Japan, a lighter, fluffier version known as Japanese cotton cheesecake became popular, incorporating whipped egg whites for an airy consistency./i
Cheesecake has become a global dessert with endless variations. From baked to no-bake versions, and from classic flavors to creative combinations like chocolate, fruit, and even savory options, cheesecake continues to evolve. Today, cheesecake remains one of the most beloved desserts worldwide. Its history reflects a blend of cultural influences, culinary experimentation, and changing tastes over time. What began as a simple mixture of cheese and honey in ancient Greece has transformed into a diverse and endlessly customizable treat enjoyed by millions.
Cheesey Choices
We had dinner guests one night and after the meal our five year old daughter helped her mother serve the dessert. She dutifully brought in a piece of cheesecake and set it in front of me. I passed it on to a guest. She brought the next piece and again set it in front of me and I passed it on to the next guest. She brought the third piece and when I went to pass it on she said, “Dad you might as well keep it, they are all the same size.”
My sister decided to go on a diet. The first evening she phoned me, I could tell her mouth was full, so I asked her what she was eating. “A piece of cheesecake,” she mumbled. “I just got on the scale and it said 149 1/2 pounds. I decided it was no place to start a diet, so I’m rounding it off to 150.”
What did the man say when he got lost in a cheese factory?
“Excuse me sir, can you show me the whey?”
I was in Navy boot camp and the food was not at all like at home. Mostly I ate all the snacks and glasses of milk. One day I went through the chow line and all I had was a big piece of cheesecake on my tray. One of the cooks eyed that and asked, “Would you like two pieces of cake, sailor?” I eagerly said, “Yes.” With that the cook leaned over, took his knife and cut my cake in half.
April 13th Birthdays
1993 – Jessica Vanessa, 1991 – Locovica Comella, 1980 – Allison Willams, 1974 – Julia Rose
1951 – Peabo Bryson, 1947 – Al Green, 1951 – Ron Pearlman, 1743 – Thomas Jefferson