Deliciously Easy Pastry Cream

You will be amazed at how many uses you find for pastry cream.  Use it between layers of cake,  as the filling in Boston Cream pies, as the filling in eclairs and cream puffs.  Use it in all sorts of pastries including napoleons.  I like to 

Strawberry Rhubarb Compote great with shortcake or cheesecake

Strawberry Rhubarb Compote 4 c rhubarb, peeled and cut into chunks 5 c strawberries, hulled and sliced 8 oz orange juice 3/4 c sugar 1 T agave syrup (can substitute honey or corn syrup) 1/4 t fresh cracked black pepper 2 fresh or 1 dried 

Cheesecake Brûlée

This is an excellent way to make an individual cheesecake dessert.  Perfect for dinner parties or when you don’t what a whole cheesecake calling your name day in and day out until it is gone.  Freeze the individual portions and take one out when you