champagne soaked strawberry cheesecake

There was cause for celebration when this cake was served. Not because it was delicious (it was) or because the top didn't crack (it didn't) or even because it was my very first challenge with the Daring Bakers.

Celebration was in order because this cake was served after my last day of law school classes. EVER. That's right--after three years, two summer jobs, thousands of pages read, four tote bags broken from the weight of heavy text books, two law school proms, countless hours in the library, and one total meltdown before the federal income tax examination, I am finally a real lawyer.

To celebrate, I invited some friends over to enjoy this month's Daring Bakers Challenge, which was to put a creative spin on a classic cheesecake. Since nothing says celebration like a little bubbly, I made a plain cheesecake and topped it with sliced strawberries that had been macerated in champagne and a pinch of sugar.

I'm sorry, what's that you say? I still have three finals to take before I can graduate? And I don't become a real lawyer until I pass the bar examination? (Places hands over ears). La la la la! I can't hear you! Not until tomorrow anyways. Tonight I am going to enjoy my cheesecake, my champagne and my celebration.

The April 2009 challenge is hosted by Jenny from Jenny Bakes. She has chosen Abbey's Infamous Cheesecake as the challenge.

Abbey's Infamous Cheesecake
Recipe Available Here