Blueberry Cheesecake for Our Lady's Birthday

The Nativity (Birth) of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated on September 8th, nine months after the feast of her Immaculate Conception.

In her book Catholic Traditions In The Home And Classroom, Ann Ball shares a delicious recipe for a Blueberry Cheesecake Pie, to celebrate Our Lady's Birthday.

The all white cheesecake (white and angel food cakes are other excellent options) symbolizes Mary's purity, and the blueberry topping is is symbolic of her blue mantle.

You can top the cake with a small statue of Mary and surround it with a circle of 10 candles, representing one decade of the rosary. After dinner, let the children take turns lighting the candles as the family prays a "Hail Mary" for each candle. Afterwards sing Happy Birthday and let the children blow out the candles!!! My children LOVE this tradition.

Blueberry Cheesecake Pie

• 1 9" graham cracker piecrust
• 1 8oz pkg. cream cheese
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• pinch salt
• 2 eggs
• 8 oz. sour cream
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons sugar

Soften cream cheese. Beat in sugar, beating until fluffy. Add lemon juice, vanilla and salt. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each. Pour into pie shell and bake at 325 degrees until set, about 25 to 30 minutes. Stir sugar and vanilla into sour cream. Spoon on top of pie and bake 10 minutes longer.

In small saucepan, mix cornstarch, cinnamon, and sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring to prevent sticking. Mixture will thicken. Add blueberries.

When pie is slightly cooled, spoon cooled blueberry topping over pie. Refrigerate.

Mary, purest flower of earth,

Mary, gate of heaven,

Mary, who to nature's dearth

Mercy's fount hast given;

Mary, Queen of virtues rarest,

Mary, house with treasures stored,

Lead me to my King adored.

(Traditional Prayer found in Maiden & Mother)

*You can view pictures of our decorated pie with candles here.