Happy Birthday!!! (Parmesan Chicken with Angel Hair Pasta and Marinara Sauce, Caramel Apple Cheesecake)

So today is my oldest daughter, 2nd childs 25th birthday..  and this Mama is starting to feel a wee bit on the old side..  Knowing that 2 of my kids are 25 and older now just blows my mind because I am constantly reminding myself that I am not in my teens anymore..  I still feel young..  sometimes..  :)

The girls and I were at the pool  yesterday and overheard a woman looking at a Southern Living Magazine talk about an Apple Caramel Cheesecake.. so of course I had to figure out how to do one and I have been told it is a keeper..  I made her Parmesan Chicken over Angel Hair Pasta with a Crock Pot Marinara Sauce and the rest of the Garlic Knots I made Wednesday..

Parmesan Chicken

3 Boneless Chicken Breast, laid flat and cut in half to make 2 thin pieces ( I do this instead of pounding it flat)
1 stick butter, melted
yellow mustard
Worcestershire Sauce
Italian Bread Crumbs
Parmesan Cheese

Mix the butter, mustard and Worcestershire Sauce in a bowl,   mix the breadcrumbs and the finely grated Parmesan cheese on a plate..  dip the chicken in the butter mixture and then in the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.  Place in a 9x13 pan,  when all the chicken has been coated pour the remaining butter mixture over the chicken and sprinkle with the rest of the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.  Bake in a 350 degree oven for 45 minutes or so.. 

Crockpot Marinara Sauce

2 large cans Crushed Tomatoes
1 6oz can tomato Paste
1 large can water
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Italian Seasoning Blend
1 onion, chopped
5 cloves garlic, minced

Place all in Crockpot, stir well and cook on low for 8 hours...  serve over pasta..  makes enough for 2 meals..  freeze the extra..

Caramel Apple Cheesecake

crus
1 stick butter, melted
1 sleeve graham crackers, crushed

Mix together, press into the bottom of a 10 inch springform pan and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes..  set aside..  turn oven down to 300 degrees

2 Granny Smith Apples
Caramel Sauce(homemade or storebought)

cover the bottom crust with about 1/3 c caramel sauce..  peel and thinly slice 1 apple and lay it on top of the caramel..

Cheesecake

3 8oz pkgs low fat cream cheese
1 c sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 16oz pkg low fat sour cream,  can also use greek yogurt..(I haven't tried it,  but might one day)

Beat the cream cheese and sugar until fluffy,  add the eggs 1 at a time and beat well after each one,  add the vanilla and sour cream and mix well..  pour over the baked crust and bake in the oven for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes until it is set.  turn oven off and crack open door and let cool slowly for an hour,  remove from oven,  cool on counter and then refrigerate overnight..   garnish with more caramel and apple slices and a dollop of whipped cream in the center.. 

my beautiful Granddaughter Samantha Riley helping me make birthday Cheesecake for her Aunt Saundra!!!