Do you all have those days where you become absolutely ob-sess-ed with something. You see it everywhere you go, you think about it and then dream about it as well?
Well, last post, I told you I was reading Anna Karenina.
It’s a novel about a love story. Sounds pretty average right? NO! It is so much more than a love story…
Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwich
Written by Leo Tolstoy, who is one of the most brilliant writers in history, it is the tragedy of one married woman who discovers the emptiness of her life after finding immediate lust and love. Leading to an adulterous affair, she continues to try and still be part of her autocratic and judgmental Russian society, while battling her internal demons, a poisonous mixture of jealousy and depression egged on by morphine.
Interweave this story with another tale of a philosophically minded man whose discovery of love leads to confusion and questioning, you get a novel which so intricately explores the human condition. Personally, I also found Tolstoy’s descriptions to be a criticism on society’s animalistic tendency for ‘acting as a pack’. Anna is condemned for her actions by all of her class, which truly speaks out about how narrow-minded and opinionated a group can be.
Truly the novel is inspiring and as you can see, I thoroughly enjoyed it, thought and continue to think about it. It made me smile (Stiva), contemplate (Levin), get frustrated (Vronsky), become unreasonably angry (Karenin) and experience feelings of overwhelming sadness and despair (Anna Karenina). You want to dive into this novel and change things, help people and just twist the story but you can’t.
You are a ghost, sitting at a bench at the train station in 19th century Russia, your voice and hands helpless to stop the story unfolding.
You are helpless in Anna Karenina while your emotions take you on a rollercoaster ride. You feel unstrapped, unsteady throughout the whole journey, blindfolded so you continually gasp with surprise at every twist, every dip. You do not see anything coming.
Have I convinced you yet to read it? I hope so!
To continue the mania I have developed for it, I watched the 1997 Anna Karenina film featuring Sophie Marceau and Sean Bean. As fantastic as Sophie Marceau was, the perfect mix of vulnerability, determination and resignation, this movie did not truly seem to capture the complexity that is Tolstoy’s novel. Rather, it felt like each scene from the book taken, shortened considerably and placed woodenly next to each other. There was a lack of flow and an obvious rush to fit the novel.
Which has made me more excited than ever to see that a new Anna Karenina has been released featuring Keira Knightley, the queen of the Victorian Era 😀 – It looks so grand, so beautiful and so… Russian that I can’t wait to see it! Check out the trailer 😀
I haven’t met my Vronsky yet and haven’t started my own story (minus the tragedy bit!) so while I wait for him to come into my life, I made a very delicious and perfectly decadent slice to accompany my day dreams.
It is a sandwich of a sort involving copious amounts of sugar, cream cheese, chocolate chips and a healthy dose of butter.
Cookie. Cheesecake. Cookie.
Et voila, c’est un sandwich.
Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwich
Adapted From: Pass The Sushi
Ingredients:
Cookie:
- 1 cup butter (256g)
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla essence
- 1 tbs full cream milk
- ¾ tsp salt
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 cups plain flour
- 2 ½ cup mixed chocolate chips
Cheesecake:
- 250g cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup + 2 tbs white sugar
- 1 egg
- ½ tsp vanilla essence
- Caramel chips
Method:
- Preheat oven to 170 degrees. Grease and line a baking tray (13×9 inch) with baking paper
- Melt butter and stir in the sugar and essence (it will initially stay separated but keep mixing till you get a smooth chestnut brown and no traces of floating butter). Let cool to lukewarm
- Beat in egg and milk
- Stir through the flour, salt, baking soda until just combined
- Fold through the chocolate chips
- Get half the batter and dollop into the pan. Spread and press the dough into the prepared pan into an even layer (I used a slightly floured wooden spoon for this)
- Refrigerate this layer and remaining dough while you make your cheesecake portion
- Cheesecake: Beat the sugar and cream cheese until pale and fluffy. Then beat in the egg and essence until the mixture is smooth
- Pour the mixture over the top of the pressed cookie in the tin. Sprinkle with a generous amount of caramel chips
- Using your hands, make flat disks of the remaining cookie dough and gently press on top of the cheesecake batter (not all batter must be covered but try for as much as possible)
- Bake for 30-35 minutes (I did 27 minutes because the top was overbrowning and resulted in a slightly gooey cheesecake but just cover with a brown bag if that is the case) or until the edges start pulling away from the pan and it is golden brown
- Let cool completely to room temperature then refrigerate
- Cut into tiny squares as to not commit murder by sugar and then devour until you can take no more 😀
Enjoy my dear friends with a good book 😀 – I promise it shall not disappoint 🙂
Go Bake Yourself 
Aw! Thanks for sharing such an awesome trailer! She’s amazingly gorgeous, & so are your cookies!
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Uru – you are spoiling the world with those beautiful cakes you make 🙂 YUM!
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Anything with chocolate chips and cheesecake I’m a sucker for!
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Oh my gosh Uru!!! This looks absolutely amazing! Love the idea of sandwiching deliciousness between even more layers of deliciousness… definitely on my to-bake list for the next girl’s night 🙂 Oh, and I’ve never seen or read Anna Karenina so you’ve taught me something! xx
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I’ve read Anna Karenina when I was in high school and I was so much touched by the strong feelings of that woman and her bitter end! Usually movies are inferior than the books. The combo of cookies and cheesecake is absolutely delicious!
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Some women find that Anna Karenina is anti-feminist, considering her end and dependency in some ways on her men, but I personally think she is one of the strongest female characters I have read about. Emotionally, it takes her such strength to overcome the obstacles in her relations. The movie was inferior though no doubt!
Thank you 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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the first picture is a real torture!!!!
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Fantastic post. I loved reading your take on this wonderful book, and want this chocolate chip cheesecake cookie sandwich. Ai-yi-yi. I’d never be able to have just one. Or two!
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Love your romantic side as well as your sweet side. 😉 I love stories like that and the trailer was riveting.
Lovely squares, but have to say your new blog looks outstanding! All the best for 2014 – Happy New Year!!
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These look delicious! Can’t wait to give them a try!
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You should definitely watch the new movie! It’s quite mad and eccentric and almost like a play. Costumes and sets play a large part in it too 🙂
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I had no idea they made a movie from the book recently. I need to watch the trailer. Love the book.
Can I just say the cookie sandwiches look so wickedly good.
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Uru, you just made my dreams come true in the form of a cookie cheesecake sandwich. This is making my mouth water. Yum! And, you convinced me to read this book. I’m downloading it from the library asap!
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These look ridiculously delicious…to die for delicious!
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all I can say is OMgggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg. xxx
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Uru, you have the magic touch! This cheesecake cookie sandwich is calling out my name. I need to start throwing my money at someone smart enough to create a computer where I can reach into my screen and grab what’s there (or would it be easier, cheaper and quicker for me just to bake these – lol).
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I am dyeting right now & lost 5 kg so I musn’s & can’t indulge on these glorious cookies & cream cheesecake bars! They look insanely rich & yummy too! MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM! 🙂 xxx
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Looks like you’ve created a rich and complex treat to go with a rich and complex novel, Uru! Sigh… the human condition is much better contemplated with a sandwich cookie in hand. 🙂
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This looks absolutely to die for CCU! It is definitely going on my “must make” list…in fact, I have thought about this dessert often the past few days since I saw your photo of it on Facebook. I am currently reading Anna Karenina too! I hope that when you do find your Vronsky, he is grounded with some of Levin’s positive down-to-earth qualities. I love the way the book explores, in such great detail, both the positive and negative qualities that lie within each of us. For example, while Vronsky is charming and attractive, he shows tendencies of selfishness and cowardism. While Karenin seems boring in so many regards, I was impressed with how he forgives Anna, and grows to love the child that is not his, after her near death experience. Talk about complexity! Can you tell I really want to talk to someone about this book?!
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Haha me and you need to meet up for an Anna Karenina tea party someday – its so nice to see someone appreciating this book the way it deserves to be 😀
Cheers
CCU
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I would love that. Let’s meet half way. Say Hawaii?
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Haha with mocktails, sun and beach, there is nowhere better 😀
Cheers
CCU
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Dinner and a movie! I am in love! 😉
~Joy from Yesterfood
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Chippy, I can’t stop drooling!
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Only you could successfully pair this cookie sandwich with Anna Karenina. It’s been years since I read it and now all I want to do is get a copy and go sit in a chair and not move. It’s a great book.
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Oooh, I will happily have this cheesecake sandwich! The new Anna Karenina movie looks terrific – though I have never read the book. Jude Law looks very old in it.
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Don’t know about reading the book, but I am thinking to watch a movie 😀
And this cookie sandwich is again just really sinful and tempting way to gain another kilo.. 😀 😛
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Oh wow, this looks like heaven on earth!
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lordy lord! i think am gaining weight as i am looking at all this “delciousness”….lol
i hope you find you find your prince charming soon and then you can share all of your lovely treats with him…heheh
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Just pinned this so I don’t lose it! I love this recipe. Great story to accompany a wonderful sweet treat!
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It’s been far too long since I’ve stopped in.. and you’ve written an outstanding book review. I’ll admit, that was the one classic I just couldn’t read.. but I’ve seen the old movie and would love to see the new one. As always, you’ve wowed me with your baking:D xx
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I never had a chance to read Anna Karenina, now after reading your post, I feel that I must read it…
Your cheesecake with different chocolate chips looks decadent.
Have a great week!
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I absolutely love your description of the book 🙂 My sister-in-law was also telling me to read it. I think I need to! The movie looks good though I am not a huge fan of Keira Knightley. This treat you have chosen looks divine 🙂
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Wow Uru….I don’t know what you inspired me more about….reading the book or making these incredible cookie sandwiches! I guess I will have to do both! : )
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The book is wonderful and so are your bars. These really look scrumptious and they would disappear quickly from my kitchen. Have a great day. Blessings…Mary
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Haha, I do know what you mean about getting obsessed! There is just no half-way for me; I either adore something or despise it. I can easily see these treats falling on the adore side of the street, too… 😉
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What yummy looking bars!
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This looks DELICIOUS!!! I’m a sucker for cheesecake and chocolate. You got me!!! That movie looks very interesting! I’m glad you showed us the trailer!!
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wow thats one cheesecake loaded with goodies! I understand your obsession(s). 😉
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Wow, that looks amazing! So rich with layers of deliciousness! Have a great week, Uru!
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This has gotta be one of the most sinful sandwich. but I will be glad to eat it.
I am ashamed that I have not read Anna Karenina…Your post does make me wanna start on it before I catch the movie anyway.
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Great recipe, great review and preview! I haven’t read the book, but I just put it in my reading list. It may take a while though, right now I’m reading Les Misérables…our new mania at home (movie, soundtrack and book. Next, Broadway’s )
Have a nice day! 🙂
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Haha that is next on my list – the movie was incredible 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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Sounds like an interesting book! I’m reading a book called Heat. It’s about a journalist who goes to work in the kitchen (with no experience of course) of a famous New York City restaurant, it’s hilarious!! Anyways, these cookie sandwiches look amazing!!! 🙂
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I will be sure to check it out, sounds cool 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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I have not read it, but have had it on my shelf for years. The cookie sandwiches look so so good!!
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What a great summary and assessment of Anna Karenina! I haven’t read it since college so reading your post really brought the book back for me. Thanks! And thanks for this awesome treat! OMG! Talk about total goodness and huge sugar rush! I’ll take it!
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These sure are sinfully good. Look at all the goodies in them. How can you think about anything else but these, lol. Hope you have a great week.
-Gina-
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Anne Karenina is everything that you discovered, and so much more. But it’s one of those books you never want to pick up ever again, unless your English teacher forces you to.
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Haha no english teacher forced me to read that gorgeous book 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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I will have to stay off this one for now, need to get rid of the extra pounds gathered at the end of 2012.
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That should be called Daydream slice! It is the perfect thing to make for those types of days… 😀
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Oh my Goodness, Where should I look? Your chocolate chip cheese sandwich or the kiwi tart. You know I love fruit based desserts as much as I love chocolate. Both your creation look really yummy!
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I’ve been dying to read Anna Karenina for awhile now and it sounds fantastic 🙂 That brownie looks crazy good and so decadent 😀
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Those look absolutely delicious!! So many layers of goodness 🙂
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I’ve made something similar, except your extra thick and creamy cheesecake layer make these phenomenal!!! SO glad you’re back!!!!
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Haha thank you – and no mini layers for anyone 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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I really want to read Anna Karenina before I watch the movie because I heard the book is amazing! Now about those cheesecake cookie sandwiches…well they look ridiculously good!
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This cookie sandwich looks sinfully delicious. I love your discussion of Anna K. One of my all time favorites. I am jealous you just experienced it for the first time.
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Ahh, I’ve missed your amazing recipes, pictures, and stories! Yum!
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i remember when i first read anna karenina – it is most definitely a novel that stays with you. and now i wanna curl up with that book and eat these treats. sounds like the perfect night!
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I saw a stage version a few years ago. Yawn! You tell it much better. I’m going to download the book to my kindle and give it a shot. I think I will need a stash of these cheesecake cookies – chee-kies 😉 – to help me through the downward twists in the plot!
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Oh my goodness, those cookies look so good. I’m about to cry because I want one so bad!
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Oh wow. I saw you link this up on your FB page too and I had a Pavlovian response, no joke. Looks delicious, my friend, as always!
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I need to read the book now!
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These look fantastic! So decadent and rich. Cannot wait to try them. Delicious!
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It’s so cute how into Anna Karenina you are! I totally go through obsessive periods like that…pretty much on the regular lol
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The novel seems really good!And so does your cheesecake cookie 🙂 Would love a bite right now 🙂
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I adore that book and these beautiful bars! Thank you for sharing with us. I hope you have a great start to your week. Stay healthy, happy, and warm!
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Wow, these look decadent… and dangerous! I could eat them all in one sitting. And what an amazing job on the book review! You go girl! 🙂
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firstly these bars look incredible! like you’ve taken every bit of joy in the world and baked them together! secondly I am going to have to read AK now!
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Intriguing story line from the review. Temptations in life is so dangerous and unless we are willing to take the risk, its a big no for me. Btw, the dessert is gorgeous as usua.
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OMGosh. These look amazing. I love that ooey gooey center!
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Don’t rush into finding the right one, Uru. You have enough on your plate for now. You do a great job finding the right dessert!
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Wonderful review of the book, I actually own it and have never read it! For shame. I shall. And as for these sandwiches, oh me oh my, talk about an adulterous affair, I think I shall have one with them right now! 😉
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I am sure, like the book, that this dessert will hit all the right spots 🙂
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Ohhh wow! Those look amazing!
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I saw the preview too. It sounds interesting and the costume and everything looks so interesting to watch. Your cheesecake chocolate chip cookie sandwich sounds so good!
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Your cookie sandwich looks decadent! I wish I was your neighbour, seriously!
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Ooooo, another gooey wonderful treat!
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I read Anna Karenina a few years ago, and I loved it so much I decided to read War and Peace. It took me forever, but I finished it. Good book, but Anna Karenina is the best.
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Oh my goodness Uru – this looks like a perfect dessert. Happy Belated New Year to you my friend!!
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Same to you my friend 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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Wow! This looks divine.
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I remember falling in love with Anna Karenina that first time I read it as a young teen. I even convinced my first year university English lecturer to allow me to shape my specialised research degree’s first project on Tolstoy, because of AK, and it led to a semester of reading his diaries, letters, and lesser-know works. A brilliant man,
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You and I are one and the same my friend 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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You’ve convinced me to read it now! It’s always been on my “Eh, I may read this book someday” list.
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I love your serving of butter and sugar! what a nice presentation! Anna Karenina is one of my oldies favorite.
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Oh my goodness girl this dessert is amazing. I have to admit that I couldn’t get to the recipe fast enough. Serious drool happening over here!!
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You are incredible! Anna Karenina will be on my list!
This looks so scrumptious on all levels!!
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Well you certainly got everything in there that I could ever ask for – very good job!
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Oh my so decadent, so delicious!
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Lovely post Uru! For a stuffed cookie, which I don´t particularly like, this is a great idea! I love cheesecake.
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I love your “healthy” dose of butter and sugar and wish to eat them everyday… LOL! In order not to miss out, I will most probably eat a tiny tiny slice of this ultimate treat – Ironic me!
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What a great story and recipe!!! Such a good idea, cheesecake and cookies. yum!
I get into books exactly the same way as you do, I feel so emotional, and when I finish a good book I am devasted, I don’t want to leave my new friends (characters)
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OMG, CCU! You’re killing me! These look like a DREAM COME TRUE! Love them! 🙂
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Omg, these layers are to die for! You’re killing me, Uru =) I hope you had a great weekend, gorgeous!
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That slice sounds divine! I made a peanut butter chocolate brownie with a cheesecake center not too long ago and this will defitely be my next slice attempt!
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Argh! This looks like heaven!!
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Omg, that looks DELICIOUS. Definitely going to have to try it soon! :3
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OMG,
This looks insanely delicious!
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Your sandwich cookies look divine and YES (!!) you’ve inspired me to read the novel AND see the new movie! 🙂
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Yum!! And, what a wonderful, interesting post. I am on the other side of the country on vacation. 🙂
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I would love to see the movie but I highly doubt I will get my husband to the theater to see it 😦 Perhaps I can get a girl friend to go with me to see a matinee.
Love your dessert! So decadent and delicious.
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The dessert is absolutely tempting…if it were in my kitchen, it would be gone! You will have to give us an update on the new movie and let us know if it does the book justice or not! 🙂
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Anna Karenina is such a wonderful book! I devoured it when I was about your age (along with War and Peace and much of Dostoyevsky — you still have a lot of great reading ahead of you!). Probably ought to reread it — Tolstoy is brilliant. And maybe make this neat treat to snack on while I read. Great looking stuff — thanks so mluch.
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This looks so inviting, especially since I’m trying to forego sweets after the holidays. But these ingredients say come hither to me. Now I want to read Anna Karinina!
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Your recipe looks great but you’ve definitely convinced me to give Anna Karenina a go … Your description has me on the edge of my seat 🙂
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Hi, I nominated you for both the Reader Appreciation Award and The Wonderful Team Member Readership Award. You can see it on my blog: http://dutchgoesitalian.com/2013/01/13/awards-a-good-way-to-start-2013/. Happy Sunday! Letizia
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That is very sweet my friend, thank you 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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you’re welcome 😀 You deserve it!!
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Oh wow these look amazing! And now I want to read that book 🙂
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Looks delicious Uru! And by the way… You convinced me to read the book :).
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If you continue to make such delectable treats, you will have your own long line of Vronskies.
I have always wanted to read Anna Karenina and can’t wait to see the movie, it’s already out here but no one to go with 😦
Cookies and cheesecake there’s nothing better.
Nazneen
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Haha that is certainly a dream 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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omg that looks heavenly
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It is a wonderful book (I did my thesis on it about too many years ago:)), even more enjoyable with a sumptuous treat!
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Whoa, decadent and totally delicious you are a wonder Uru. Your posts are captivating and your recipes beg to be made asap!! Great post and I love Anna Karenina. Do you watch Downton Abbey?
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No but I am planning to start it 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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I love what you did here, weaving the perfect luxury and decadence of your cheesecake sandwich around Anna Karenina.
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I, too, become randomly obsessed with things. Currently, it’s Sherlock Holmes. And Benedict Cumberbatch had nothing to do with that. Nope.
This cookie sandwich sounds unbelievably decadent.
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I LOVE YOU BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH! 🙂
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
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You are good at this Uru! Really good! Not only enticing one to read, but that with well chosen words and a dessert to match. Sinfully good is that dessert with everything a dessert lover wants all in one bite. I have been wanting to watch the movie but have missed remembering.
I haven’t been on here for a while, hope you had a great holiday season.
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”Anna Karenina” one of my oldies favorite with one of the most beautiful women in the world through time ä Great Garbo, and of course she were Swedish. She was stunning and I think it will be hard for any new version to bet the old.
The book is one of the few books I read more than once. Just adore it.
This cake or whatever its really tickle me – and I don’t care about the calories. A brilliant post and really enjoyed my stop here today
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Sorry, Greta!
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I will be sure to check out that version 😀
Cheers
CCU
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She are so stunning … http://youtu.be/ZCu-eRyUMbM – enjoy!
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You my friend are trouble maker. You have managed to take two of my favorite desserts (Chocolate chip cookies and cheesecake) and put them into a sinfully good dessert. Yes, I would definitely be in a manic mania if I had these sitting in front of me. 🙂
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I know I have noticed this before–but you are such an excellent writer and have convinced me totally to read the book–and the cookie–the cookie– omgosh–to die for–you are such a talented girl–I know you are going to go far (and I am so impressed when you take time off to study and travel–so well-rounded)
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Thank you so much my friend, you are very sweet 😀
Cheers
CCU
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You’re teasing us with this decadent dessert! Mmmmm, cheesecake + chocolate!
Haven’t read AK in years — I’ve heard mixed reviews about the new movie, but enjoyed reading your reactions to the novel. 🙂
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this looks soooo good Uru!! 🙂
cookie and cheesecake – golden combo!
and now after your review – I’m so keen to read that book! 😀
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i love keira knightley but haven’t been inspired to read the book until i read your description of it–nicely done!
(the bars are terrific, too!)
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You made me want to read it!
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Fantastic! I wish ALL book reviews were interspersed with photos of food. Especially food this good. Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwich! Holy moly. How can so many amazing ingredients be featured in the ONE dish?
PS. I’ve never read Anna Karenina, but it’s on my list…
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My…these look so dangerously decadent!
Have a wonderful Sunday!
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I like this
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I wish I could still eat so many gorgeous treats without putting on weight!
Have a great week ahead CCU and you never know, you prince charming might be just around the corner.
🙂 Mandy xo
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Haha wishful thinking my friend 😉 – do they even exist anymore?
Cheers
CCU
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Yum! I want some of this now! 😀
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