Page 44 April 2014 By Heather Kinkel Jen Racich runs her Arcadia home in a fresh, clean and organic way. She is a happy, breath-of-fresh-air type, and is originally from Phoenix. Having spent time living in Los Angeles and Chicago, Jen has called Arcadia home since 2010. She and her fi ancé, Troy, are mortgage advisors for Pinnacle Capital, and Jen has an 8-year old son, Tommy. Jen is every bit the lady of the house, and can always be counted on by her friends and family to bring dessert to an event or party. Not one to be stuck in the kitchen, h o w e v e r , Jen also joins Troy and Tommy in their love of the o u t d o o r s . They have quads for playing in the desert, love to go camping, and spend quality time surfing each summer. Settling into her kitchen to create a new Tasty cheesecakes created in an all organic kitchen and delicious confection, there’s a curious sticky note on her microwave that says “No Bueno.” Jen explained, “Yeah. I’ve gone completely organic, and that microwave is no bueno. We try not to use it. I also say that if it has a “boxtop” on it, I don’t buy it.” Her son, Tommy, like any other typical 8-year-old, isn’t a huge fan of her anti- box mantra. Jen, however, does a great job of baking and keeping tasty treats on hand for him that line up with her healthy, clean lifestyle. She doesn’t think that eating organically should be bland and tasteless or lack delicious desserts. Their favorite thing to make together: cupcakes. “Well, we love to make cupcakes - Tommy helps with those. I love to bake, and we probably make cupcakes most often,” said Jen. Today’s recipes are no-bake cheesecakes, and as she begins the process, Jen brings in a few fresh lemons from her tree in the backyard. Her other on-hand ingredients are all natural and fresh as well. Although Jen has transitioned her family to an all-organic lifestyle, her baking talents have in no way diminished. The recipes that Jen is sharing with Arcadia News are in high demand these days. They are on her “to-do” list for the ... A Jean-Georges Vongerichten Creation Located at The Phoenician 6000 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 (480) 214-8000 www.jgsteakhousescottsdale.com 2013 “Treat yourself to an amazing experience” – Zagat “The Best Steakhouse of 2012” – Phoenix New Times “Juicy, flavorful and entirely satisfying.” – Howard Seftel, Arizona Republic ... oreo no bake cheesecake ingredients Cookie base: • 8 Oreo sandwich cookies • 2 Tbsp. melted butter Filling: • 1 cup heavy whipping cream • 8 oz. softened cream cheese • 1 tsp. vanilla extract • 4 Tbsp. sugar • 1 tsp. lemon juice preparation Crush Oreo cookies in a blender or food processor to create crumbs. Stir with melted butter and divide between 6 jars. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, whip cream until stiff peaks form and set aside. In another large bowl, mix cream cheese, vanilla, sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Fold in whipped cream. Spoon evenly between jars and refrigerate until ready to serve. Top with chocolate chips or whipped cream & Oreos on top. by Jen Racich Continued on page 45 Easter cookout they have planned with friends and family, and were requested by a friend for a baby shower this month. Making 40 mini cheesecakes for each event with family and friends is no easy task, but Jen has found a few helpful ways to make the assembly simpler. She uses a special wooden dowel to tamp down the “crust” and a perfectly sized funnel to use when it’s time to fill the jars with the creamy cheesecake layer. “I was looking for ways to make the process a little bit faster, and found this funnel at Target – it’s the perfect size!” said Jen. Top: Berry No Bake Cheesecake. Bottom: Oreo No Bake Cheesecake. Jen Racich

Page 45 April 2014 Cheesecakes Continued from page 44 602-956-0178 4144 E. Indian School Rd. F r e e W i F i Come enjoy all your TeePee favorites with the great weather on our cool new patio! Versatility is a huge plus for this dessert, and Jen has added variety and customization to her baking skills. She makes the jars of creamy cheesecakes and then provides yummy toppings like barely-sauced cherries and blueberries to add on your own. “I like to make the plain ones for parties. Let people customize their individual cheesecake,” said Jen. Looking for something a little richer? Make the Oreo-flavored cheesecake. They are creamy and have just the right amount of chocolate-y goodness. Jen also loves to give her guests a little something to take home, and those Weck mini mason jars accomplish that just perfectly, plus they are ridiculously adorable! Note: The recipe for Berry No Bake Cheesecake can be found on our website: arcadiadaily.com.