This video shows just how easy it is to make a delicious cheesecake with a graham cracker crust. The recipe uses fat-free cream cheese and sour cream, but you can use the regular versions for an even creamier—if higher fat and calorie—version, which is the way we like it. (What’s the food analogy to “Go big or go home?”)

Typically, cheesecake is served with fresh fruit. Blueberries, mango, raspberries and strawberries are fan favorites.

But since it’s President’s Day, let’s use a top-quality can of cherry pie filling as the topping (or make your own topping from frozen cherries). Our favorite cherry pie filling is made by cherry specialist Chukar Cherries. If there’s a better cherry pie filling out there, we haven’t discovered it.* Chukar Cherries products are also certified kosher.

*When we have to use a lesser cherry pie filling, we add a tablespoon of Kirsch (cherry brandy) to cut the sweetness.

So fat-free or full test, bake a cherry cheesecake.

In the early 20th century, the company promoted the first cream cheese cake recipe, and an icon was born.

Pier 1 Imports will sell you Brushing Beauties in blonde, brunette and redhead versions.

Think of the scrub brushes as gal pals who are available to help with cleanup.

At $6.95 each, the dishwasher-safe scrub brushes are inexpensive house gifts and “just because” gifts. Buy hair colors that match your friends’ hair.

Back in your own kitchen, you’re likely to get less resistance from family or housemates when you ask them to “grab the redhead and scrub some pots.”

Fun gals help scrub pots. From Pier 1 imports.

[2] Already have baked brownies? Press soaked dried cherries into the top or whip up a light film of icing to hold the cherries (photo © Alison’s Gourmet).

The legend of George Washington and the cherry tree was an invention of book agent Mason Locke Weems, in his 1800 biography, “The Life of Washington.” The cherry tree has been associated with Washington ever since.

Washington’s Birthday was declared a federal holiday by Congress in 1880,* the first federal holiday to honor an American citizen.

Cherry pie, typically made with canned tart cherries, became a popular way to celebrate the day. Over the years, many other cherry recipes followed.

Alas for those who like fresh ingredients, cherry season is in summer. But quality canned cherries (we like Chukar Cherries), frozen cherries and dried cherries enable cooks and bakers to express their patriotism—or at least, use the occasion to make something different.

For the President’s Day weekend, a batch of cherry brownies will hit the spot with your family and friends:

 
Prefer a chocolate chip cookie? Here’s our recipe for yummy cherry chocolate chip cookies.
 
 
> Check out the history of brownies.

*Initially the holiday was for government offices in the District of Columbia. In 1885 it was expanded to include all federal offices. State government offices, including schools, followed suit, followed by banks and other businesses. The holiday was celebrated on Washington’s actual birthday, February 22nd, until 1971, when it was shifted to the third Monday in February and combined with the Lincoln’s Birthday (February 12th) celebration to allow federal employees a three-day weekend.