How To Trap The Fairy Hobmother + Strawberry Cheesecake

Momma Told Me: Fairies are things of childhood dreams and laughter.

I suppose there are some things one simply never grows out of; believing in fairies, for example. Okay, perhaps not the literal representation of a 3" humanoid flying around with sparkles and wings. But that simple taste of magic, the belief that unexpected things can happen at the most unlikely of times. It's the same sense of wonder that keeps us rooting for our favorite team, or prompts us to invest just one more dollar in this week's lottery. So far, 2013 has been a little rocky for me, with what seems like a never-ending parade of health setbacks. Whenever I take on a new life change, such as investing in dental insurance, or cutting sugar consumption, I find another hurdle thrown in my path. Such is life; hurdles and surprises, wonderful surprises. And it's those little sparkles of the unexpected delights that make it all so very much worth it.

You've likely seen those posts floating around about the Fairy Hobmother. Unless mine is the first and only blog you've ever read, odds are you know something about him. Granted, even those of us who have come in contact with this mythical blog character know so very little. The legend tells us bloggers will be visited at random by this playful sprite who exchanges Amazon currency for their efforts in spreading his story and name throughout the Blogosphere. He finds these bloggers by piggybacking the comments of other bloggers on said posts; and so it goes on and on into infinity. Because I have only ever commented on one such post, though I have seen dozens, I know my recent visit was thanks to a mention on Still Blonde After All These Years. I don't normally pay much attention to these blogging fads, which is what I consider it, but I value the Chief Blonde (Shelley's) take and thought I'd give it a whirl.

We waited for what seemed like ages, but the Fairy Hobmother did not come. In our boredom and desperation, we decided to craft a trap of sorts; perhaps we could catch the Fairy Hobmother spying on us through the blog. I'd heard from a little birdie Mr Hobmother, aka Matt Mitchell, favored strawberries. My loyal readers already know that our hometown happens to be the Strawberry Capital of the US. Not only are we surrounded by the smell of sweet strawberry fields, and stands on every block, but we host the annual Strawberry Festival. This is no ordinary event as tourists flock here every year to take part in the unique strawberry culinary creations and festivities. Just next month this event will bring thousands to our small coastal town, though I can already enjoy the fruits of fresh picked berries at home today.

So we got to work and whipped up a mini Strawberry Cheesecake appropriately sized for the Fairy Hobmother and rigged an old Bigelow Tea box with some birthday candles as a trap. It might seem desperate to some, but that Amazon gift card could really help me buy some new furniture, or perhaps a new washing machine. Momma has bills to pay, and raking in some extra dough on the side helps offset the cost of living; even if it means trapping and shaking down a little sprite. Unfortunately, we failed to anticipate just how fast a Fairy Hobmother can truly be, and Matt escaped our contraption with plenty of time. We did, however, catch the culinary praise and attention of said fairy, and received a prompt visit in our inbox. I was thanked for the delightful Summertime treat (who doesn't love cheesecake?), and told to share the Hobmother's mission with my fellow bloggers. If you've yet to receive a visit from the Fairy Hobmother be sure to leave a comment, he just may visit you next!

What Daughter Says:  I don't usually trust grown men in spandex, but how can you argue with one who's shorter than an apple?

Easy No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Cups

***Printable Recipe Here

Ingredients

* 1 Box Jell-O No Bake Cheesecake (+ Required Ingredients)

* 2 C Fresh Strawberries

* 1 TBS Corn Starch

* 1.5 C Granulated Sugar

* 2 TSP Lemon Juice

* 1/2 C Crushed Graham Crackers

Directions:

1.) For this I use plastic, disposable, shot glasses, though the recipe is no bake so mini cupcake liners work just as well. Prepare the cheesecake filling and crust in individual bowls, per package instructions.

2.) Slice 1/2 of the strawberries lengthwise and rivet to resemble hearts, for garnish. Chop remaining strawberries and place in food processor, blend until chunky puree. Add sugar, corn starch, strawberry puree, and lemon juice to a saucepan. Bring to a boil and allow to simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until mixture begins to thicken, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.

3.) Press 1 TBS of boxed Crust Mixture into bottom of cups, layer with 1 TBS of Cheesecake Filling, add thin layer of Strawberry Filling, top with 1 TSP of Cheesecake Filling. Dust with Graham Cracker Crumbs, and top with Strawberry Garnish.

As Required By The FTC: I was compensated in the form of an Amazon GC by the Fairy Hobmother, aka Matt Mitchell of appliancesonline.co.uk. Regardless, all content is original.