Welcome back to The Cheesecake Factory!!  I think you have been in suspense long enough!!  So, can you guess what our appetizer was??

FRIED MACARONI AND CHEESE
Crispy Crumb Coated Macaroni and Cheese Balls.  Served over a Creamy Marinara Sauce

OH~MY~GOODNESS!!! I don't usually eat fried foods because I do try to eat healthily, and my stomach does not really appreciate the fried stuff.  But, I had heard about these "macaroni and cheese balls", and I couldn't resist them when I spotted them on the menu.  They were soooo good!!!  Truly a treat, as I will not be attempting these at home!  haha  Do you know I have not ever fried anything in any of our homes??? I know, I know…yes, I am a true SOUTHERN GIRL, but as I said, the fried stuff is no friend to my stomach…and, well, you know it's not good for us!  But, I had to pass up all those rules and try these babies!

Yes, they were fried to perfection…I would prefer to say "browned", but honestly, these delicious balls were FRIED!!  Once you put your fork into one, the yummy macaroni and cheese begins to flow out, and when you scoop up a bite with a little of the marinara sauce…It is SOOO GOOD!!  And, of course, they are topped with fresh Parmesan cheese!

So, I recommend trying these when you have a chance to visit The Cheesecake Factory!  I think you will like them!  The macaroni and cheese inside was so creamy and good!  I think I would like one more, please!!

Now, back to the desserts…John tried the "Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake"…The Original Topped with Glazed Fresh Strawberries.  The most popular flavor for 28 years!  It was really good!  We ended up bringing part of our meal and our desserts home since the portions are so big.  Don't tell, but someone ate John's leftover cheesecake!   I am still trying to figure out how Tucker managed to get into the fridge!! haha  Of course, it was him!!  🙂

I love lemon and raspberry so I decided to try the "Lemon Raspberry Cream Cheesecake"…Raspberry Vanilla Cake, Creamy Lemon Cheesecake, Raspberry Lady Fingers, and Lemon Mousse.  It was a "tealightful" choice!!  It was so yummy!  The vanilla cake was so moist and had raspberry filling tucked inside.  The lemon cheesecake was delectable…especially with the raspberry puree drizzled on top!

Here's a closeup of all the goodness!  Again, these pics are not ideal, and even though I "doctored" them up a bit it just did not solve the lighting issues.  The vintage style reminds me of something you would see in a 50's diner!  Anyway, good quality or not…I couldn't resist sharing these treats with you!  Now, when shall we head to The Cheesecake Factory to sample some others?!!  I'm ready!!  **BTW…let me give a big "shout out" to my sweet hubby…yep, I asked him to wait before digging into any of our food so I could take some pics for you!  He's a good sport, I tell you!! I love you, John!!  I enjoyed my outing with you!!  🙂

Well, slowly but surely, I am catching up on blogging from the weekend and the beginning of the week so please just bear with me a bit longer.  I am trying to ignore this shoulder issue, but I can assure you it has gotten my attention.  I know I need to incorporate some breaks from the computer when I am working on things.  Guess we just need a little "wake up call" sometimes!  Then, we'll pay attention!   So, be sure to listen to any little "wake up calls" your body might be sending you!  We must stay in good shape for all the things we are going to be getting into on this blog!!  We'll be traveling to China, the Middle East, back to the Islands, and lots of little spots in between…not to mention…trying lots of fun food and treats along the way! 

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