Practical Woman

**Practical Woman’s Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cups**
Deliciously elegant caramel apple cheesecake in perfect portions – creamy, crunchy, and irresistible!

**Servings:** 12
**You’ll need:**
• 12-15 Pecan Sandies cookies (for crust)
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup freeze-dried apples, crushed
• ½ cup caramel bits
• 1-2 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)
• Extra caramel for topping

**How to make it:**
1. Preheat oven to 275°F. Line a muffin tin with liners and place a Pecan Sandies cookie in the bottom of each.
2. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla and sour cream.
3. Gently fold in crushed freeze-dried apples and caramel bits (add flour if the mixture seems too thin).
4. Fill each cup almost to the top with the batter.
5. Bake 22 minutes until set. Cool in the pan, then refrigerate.
6. Top with melted caramel and chill for 4+ hours before serving.

**Practical tip:** Freeze-dried apples give great texture without extra moisture. These mini cheesecakes are perfect for parties – make ahead and store in the fridge. Use regular apples if you prefer, but pat dry first.

Elegant. Creamy. Caramel apple bliss.

Enjoy,
Practical Woman 💛

**Practical Woman’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup**
Warm, creamy, and cheesy – perfect for a cozy meal!

**Servings:** 4-6
**You’ll need:**
• 4-5 cups broccoli florets (1 large head)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

**How to make it:**
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent.
2. Add broccoli florets and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until broccoli is tender.
3. Use an immersion blender (or transfer to a blender) to puree the soup until smooth.
4. Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese if desired.

**Practical tip:** For a thicker soup, add a bit more cheese or simmer longer. This is great for meal prep – leftovers reheat beautifully on the stovetop with a splash of milk. Pair with crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal!

Warm. Creamy. Cheesy perfection.

Enjoy,
Practical Woman 💛