Christmas is a time for joy, celebration, and delicious food, and no holiday spread is complete without a memorable dessert. While pies and cookies are classic choices, Grandma’s Cheesecake Sandwiches offer a new way to celebrate with a treat that combines the rich flavors of cheesecake with the convenience of a grab-and-go snack. 

Simplify Your Holiday Dessert Spread

With all the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, finding the time to prepare a show-stopping dessert can be challenging. Between decorating, gift shopping, and hosting, the last thing you want to worry about is spending hours in the kitchen baking. That’s where Grandma’s Cheesecake Sandwiches can save the day. 

These sandwiches are pre-made, beautifully packaged, and ready to serve. You can place them on your dessert table for guests to grab and enjoy, or bring them along to a holiday party for a quick, delicious treat. There’s no need for cutting, plating, or clean-up, making them an ideal choice for busy hosts. 

A Thoughtful Dessert for Your Christmas Gatherings

Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or attending a Christmas potluck, desserts are always a welcome addition. However, instead of the usual cookies or fruitcake, why not offer something different this year? Grandma’s Cheesecake Sandwiches are a unique, indulgent dessert that everyone will love. 

They also make for a wonderful holiday gift. If you’re looking to add a personal touch to your Christmas presents, consider gifting a box of these delicious sandwiches. They’re perfect for friends, neighbors, or co-workers who would appreciate a thoughtful, homemade treat. Stop by our shop at 12-40 Clintonville St., Whitestone, NY to pick up your holiday supply! 

A Convenient and Delicious Treat for Christmas Day

On Christmas Day, after all the presents have been opened and the feast has been enjoyed, it’s nice to sit back and relax with a sweet treat. Cheesecake sandwiches are the perfect ending to any holiday meal, offering all the flavor of a rich, creamy cheesecake in a compact, easy-to-eat format. 

Whether you’re cozying up by the fire or enjoying a festive movie night, Grandma’s Cheesecake Sandwiches add just the right amount of sweetness to your holiday celebrations. This Christmas, make things a little easier on yourself and a lot tastier for your guests with a dessert everyone will remember. 

Grandma’s Cheesecake Sandwiches are available on Goldbelly and UberEats

Roses are red, violets are blue: we have the perfect gift for you! 

Let’s be honest: nothing these days is what it used to be. That includes Valentine’s Day – no – Saint Valentine’s Day. 

Poor guy’s been demoted from sainthood. 

The days of chivalry are long dead, lost to the age of landline telephones and lip-sync scandals; I’m looking at you, Milli Vanilli. In the wild, uncharted land of social media, genuine connections have been replaced with followers, likes, and the Red 40 Chamoy pickle. 

With so many overdone, cliché choices, what is one to do for St. Valentine’s? Yes, you’re well acquainted with chocolates, teddy bears, and maybe even the Forever Rose. But have you met our cake pop bouquets? 

This Valentine’s Day season, Grandma’s Cheesecake Sandwiches is bringing back our decadent, red velvet cake pops. Handmade with the finest ingredients, our moist, red velvet cake is dipped into creamy, white chocolate and dusted with even more red velvet goodness. What’s a better way to show love than with grandma’s homemade recipe? 

Well, she may not be your grandma, but who’s going to argue about dessert?

Whether you’ve got a beau, or you’re all alone, show your love with Grandma’s Cheesecake Sandwiches this Valentine’s Day! 

You can find us on UberEats and Goldbelly.com at Grandma’s Cheesecake Sandwiches. 

Ah, cheesecake. What’s more New York than cheesecake?

You know, besides the classic, “Hey, I’m walkin’ here!”

New York has much more to offer than begrudged businessmen and expletives. Like here, at 12-40 Clintonville Street in Whitestone at Grandma’s Cheesecake Sandwiches, we have our cheesecake sandwiches, a delicious new derivative of the cheesecake. 

But where does the cheesecake come from?

Let’s travel to Greece. I’m talking about ancient, 5th century BC Greece. On the island called Samos, the ancient Greeks made their cheesecakes, called Plakountas, by mushing cheese into a paste, adding honey and wheat flour, and baking it. It was more of a loaf than a cake, and it had no crust (the horror!).

The Island of Samos

In 776 BC, in Olympia, the very first Olympics were held. To fuel their rugged, hunky Olympians, the ancient Grecian spectators made them cheesecake. 

Cheesecake was not originally a dessert, but a healthy snack. 

What a way to diet, huh?

Then came the Romans. 

As they say, all good diets must come to an end. 

With the Roman Invasion came the absorption of Grecian culture (among many other cultures). The cheesecake underwent a renaissance. Three new recipes emerged: Labrum, Savillum, and…Placenta. I’m keeping my mouth shut on that one. 

Thankfully, Savillum is the recipe that most modern-day cheesecakes are based on. 

Savillum

The Romans did us all a favor and added some eggs into their recipe, creating a much cake-ier cake. They also cooked their cakes between hot bricks, as opposed to an open fire or hot coals, which is more similar to our modern-day ovens. 

The Roman Empire’s cheesecake spread to just about every corner of Europe – much like the plague. Each region developed their own spin on it, and the French – with their cheese-y expertise – mastered the art of the creamy cheesecake. 

Fast-forward about a millenia to the colonization of the Americas. The new-world settlers brought cheesecake with them as a tasty treat. Although, I have to admit, I just can’t imagine a Puritan eating cheesecake.  

Okay, okay back to the cheesecake.  

We are finally back to the part you all have been waiting for: the New York Style Cheesecake. Long story short, in 1872 a dairy farmer named William A. Lawrence was attempting to recreate the French Neufchatel cheese. 

Oops! He accidentally created cream cheese, otherwise known as the glue that keeps NYC from collapsing.

Then came Kraft – yes, as in the boxed macaroni and cheese Kraft – who gave cheese a stable shelf life in 1916. 

Then came Reuben – yes, as in the sandwich Reuben – a German guy who made the New York Cheesecake by accident in the early 1930s. That doesn’t sound very Depression-like to me.  

So, what’s the difference?

New Yorkers use cream cheese, the Greeks use feta, and the Romans use ricotta – and I think all of us New Yorkers could use a cheesecake sandwich from Grandma’s Cheesecake Sandwiches.

A stack of our delicious cheesecake sandwiches

Phew, now that’s a mouthful.

But what is a cheesecake sandwich, you may ask? 

It’s the unique, delicious combination of a New York Style Cheesecake and a cookie sandwich. 

This light, fluffy dessert was created by our innovative founder, Lisa Cotoggio. Using both her beloved grandmother Raphaella’s recipe and her entrepreneur spirit, Lisa developed 36 incredible flavors that rotate throughout the year. 

And what’s more New York than on-the-go cheesecake? Wait – Jinx! You have to buy me a Grandma’s Cheesecake Sandwich!

Grandma’s Cheesecake Sandwiches are available on Goldbelly and UberEats

Hey there, baking buddies! Let’s bake a cake with Grandma’s Cheesecake Sandwiches? While we can’t spill the beans on our secret cheesecake sandwich recipe (it’s locked away tighter than a cookie jar), we’re thrilled to share some easy-peasy tips for baking the perfect cake. So, roll up your sleeves, dust off your aprons, and let’s sprinkle some baking fun into your kitchen!

Mixing it Up!

First things first, grab a mixing bowl and let’s get mixing! Whether you’re using a mixer, a whisk, or even a wooden spoon from Grandma’s kitchen drawer, the goal is to mix until your batter is smooth and lump-free. A smooth batter is the key to baking success!

For a classic cake batter, you’ll need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Rise and Shine

Want your cake to rise to the occasion? It’s time to add a little baking magic!

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and flour your cake pans to prevent sticking.
• Bake your cake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Be Creative! When it comes to decorating your cake, let your imagination run wild! Spread on some frosting, sprinkle on some fun toppings, and don’t forget the cherry on top! Here’s two go-to delicious frosting options to consider:

• Classic Buttercream Frosting: Beat together 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) with 3-4 cups powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add 1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract and a splash of milk if needed for consistency.

• Whipped Cream Frosting: Beat 2 cups heavy cream with 1/4 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Use immediately to frost your cake.

Share the Joy!

Once your cake is out of the oven and cooled, it’s time to share the love! Gather your friends and family, grab some plates and forks, and dig in. After all, cake is meant to be enjoyed and shared with the ones you love.

And there you have it – a recipe for baking fun with Grandma’s Cheesecake Sandwiches! While our lips may be sealed on our secret cheesecake sandwich recipe, we’re excited for the cakes you whip up in your own kitchen. So, let’s get baking and spread some sweet happiness together!

With these tips your homemade cake will be good but I promise you, our cheesecake is the best. Even in the form of a sandwich! Happy baking, everyone, and remember, the best cheesecake is at Grandma’s Cheesecake Sandwiches!

Grandma’s Cheesecake Sandwiches are available on Goldbelly and UberEats

Ever wondered what sets homemade cakes apart from boxed ones? At Grandma’s Cheesecake Sandwiches, we’re all about sharing the scoop on baking.

Let’s break it down and find out the deal between these two cakey contenders!

Homemade Cakes:

When we talk homemade, we’re talking about cakes made from scratch using basic ingredients. Think flour, sugar, eggs, and butter—straight from the kitchen, no shortcuts! Here’s what you need to know about homemade cakes:

• DIY: Homemade cakes are all about rolling up your sleeves and getting your hands dirty. Here at Grandma’s Cheesecake Sandwiches we bake everything from scratch with love and care, making sure every bite is bursting with homemade goodness.
• Mix It Up: The best part about homemade cakes? You’re the boss! You can customize your cake however you like, from choosing your favorite flavors to adding special toppings or fillings. It’s like being the captain of your own cake ship!
• Taste the Love: When it comes to homemade cakes, you can taste the difference. Each cake is made with fresh, quality ingredients and baked to perfection, ensuring a moist, flavorful treat every time.

Boxed Cakes:

Now, let’s talk boxed cakes. These are pre-packaged cake mixes you can find at the store. They come with all the dry ingredients you need, and you just add a few extras like eggs and oil. Here’s the lowdown on boxed cakes:

• Easy Peasy: Boxed cakes are known for their convenience. With a boxed cake mix, you can whip up a cake in a flash without breaking a sweat. Just follow the instructions on the box, and you’re good to go!
• Limited Options: While boxed cakes are quick and easy, they don’t offer much in the way of customization. You’re pretty much stuck with the flavors and ingredients that come in the box, so there’s not a lot of room for creativity.
• No-Fail Flavors: One thing you can count on with boxed cakes is consistency. The recipes are tried and tested, so you can trust that your cake will turn out just right every time. It’s like having a baking safety net!

So, which cake takes the crown? Well, it all depends on your taste buds and baking style. Whether you’re a DIY diva or a convenience connoisseur, there’s a cake for you at Grandma’s Cheesecake Sandwiches!

Swing by Grandma’s Cheesecake Sandwiches in Whitestone, NY at 12-40 Clintonville St. and experience a cheesecake sandwich made from scratch with love and care.

Grandma’s Cheesecake Sandwiches are available on Goldbelly and UberEats

Traveling can be stressful, especially during the holidays when airports are packed, schedules are tight, and layovers can feel endless. 

Long security lines, delayed flights, and crowded terminals can take the fun out of even the most exciting trips. But there’s one way to bring a bit of joy and comfort to your journey: Grandma’s Cheesecake Sandwiches. 

Whether you’re flying out of LaGuardia or hitting the road for a long drive, these convenient, delicious desserts make traveling a whole lot sweeter and more enjoyable. 

 Convenient for Travelers

Gone are the days when you could rely on airlines to serve meals or snacks during flights. Now, more than ever, it’s essential to plan ahead and bring your own food. That’s where Grandma’s Cheesecake Sandwiches come in. Packaged perfectly for travel, they’re a grab-and-go dessert that fits easily into your carry-on or car snack stash. Their sturdy packaging and mess-free design make them an ideal choice for on-the-go travelers who want something sweet without the hassle of worrying about spills or crumbs.  

If you’re flying out of LaGuardia, you’re in luck. You can pick up Grandma’s Cheesecake Sandwiches at District Market in Terminal B, giving you the perfect treat to enjoy while waiting at the gate or during your flight. They’re portable, mess-free, and offer everything from a dessert without the hassle of utensils. No need to stop for a regular mediocre snack—you can enjoy something tasty and new before you even board your plane. 

Airport Dining Has Changed

Airport food options have come a long way in recent years. Gone are the days of overpriced, bland meals that left you hungry or unsatisfied. With vendors like Grandma’s Cheesecake Sandwiches at LaGuardia, travelers now have access to high-quality and flavorful food. It’s a big step up from the limited, less-than-satisfying options of the past, giving travelers something to look forward to as they pass through the airport. Now, you can enjoy your layover with a handcrafted, delicious dessert that rivals anything you’d find at your favorite bakery. 

The Perfect Travel Companion

Whether you’re traveling for business or visiting family during the holidays, having a tasty snack can make the journey a lot more pleasant. Grandma’s Cheesecake Sandwiches are a great option for travelers because they’re easy to pack, hold up well during transit, and offer a comforting sweetness in the midst of a hectic day.  

They’re light enough to enjoy without feeling weighed down, but indulgent enough to satisfy your sweet tooth. Next time you’re traveling through LaGuardia, be sure to stop by Terminal B’s District Market and grab some cheesecake sandwiches to take on your trip. 

Travel can be a little stressful, but with a Grandma’s Cheesecake Sandwich by your side, the journey gets a little sweeter. Make sure to grab one before your next adventure, and turn even the busiest of travel days into a sweet moment! 

Grandma’s Cheesecake Sandwiches are also available on Goldbelly and UberEats

Merry Christmas, and a very special thank you to all of our customers who donated to our First Annual Warming the Hands of Homeless Drive to make it a success. We collected loads of gloves and went out this morning to distribute to the less fortunate.

Our journey started in East Elmhurst where we met a few people on the street, then continued on down Queens Boulevard and into Manhattan’s Bowery District, where several needy people took kindly to receiving a pair of gloves on this unusually warm Christmas Day.

From there we set out back up town landing at Penn Station, where dozens of men and women thanked us for our donations to keep them warm through the winter months.

With additional supplies remaining, we headed into Long Island City to drop off some men’s gloves at the Veteran’s Shelter on Borden Avenue. 

We’d received many more pairs of women’s gloves, so after giving to so many on the streets of Manhattan, we ventured back locally to the new women’s shelter that recently opened in College Point on 20th Avenue, where they were happily accepted by staff to distribute accordingly.

During the course of our outing today, we noticed an absence of homeless children, which we could only be thankful for…it’s a hard life for an adult as is and we know the perils of putting a child through the situation. However, we did collect quite a few pairs of children’s gloves, so we thought they would best be served by donating them to St. Mary’s Children’s Hospital in Bayside.

A day to reflect on just how lucky we all are, while helping those in need is what the holidays are all about.

Thank you all again – Grandma’s Cheesecake Sandwiches

Lisa Cotoggio displays some of her grandmother’s cheesecakes.

By ARIEL HERNANDEZ

Following a history of falling victim to sexual harassment in the workplace, College Point’s Lisa Cotoggio, 57, put her foot down and decided to venture out on her own and do what she loves—baking her grandmother’s cheesecake.

“I couldn’t find a decent job, so I created one and figured I’d be working for the best boss ever because it would be myself,” Cotoggio told the Queens Tribune.

Cotoggio said that looking back on her childhood is gratifying since she remembers selling snow cones that she would make from her Little Mister Frosty snow cone maker. She also created her own lemonade stand.

Cotoggio said that her mother was charitable, so she grew up giving away food and toys to local charities and homeless children.

As a teen in the 1970s, Cotoggio said that it wasn’t as necessary to attend college as it is today, when “employers are laying off the elderly with no degrees to hire young people with bachelor’s and master’s degrees.”

Cotoggio worked in the hospitality and car industries—and said that sexual harassment was rampant in both lines of work.

Her experiences in both fields were so severe that she has two active lawsuits, one in each of the above fields.

In 1986, Cotoggio worked at a restaurant in Manhattan and she alleges that she was fired because she wouldn’t “sleep with the owner.”

Cotoggio said that chefs, waiters and managers would often force themselves on her or ask her to have sex. She said that chefs would often make inappropriate comments, such as “blow me.

“At first I would keep my distance from them, so that it’s not a problem [and] that I don’t lose my job,” said Cotoggio. “But when I lost my job because I didn’t sleep with someone, I contacted human [resources].”

Cotoggio said that she has been sexually harassed multiple times. 

“It happens so frequently and people don’t understand how rampant it really is out there,” said Cotoggio. “I worked in the hospitality industry for close to 30 years and I have to say I’ve been sexually harassed two dozen times in so many places.”

Cotoggio also currently has a lawsuit against a Mercedes-Benz car dealership in Long Island, where she alleges that multiple coworkers groped her.

“You’d think that since Mercedes-Benz is such an iconic brand, is a Fortune 500 company, the cars are so expensive and it’s a prestigious brand, that something like this wouldn’t happen,” said Cotoggio. “But it was really bad at this place. The general manager wasn’t doing anything about it. Another woman was being harassed there too, but she was afraid to come forward. It happened to me so many times and twice I’ve gone after them.”

After going through a channel of managers, Cotoggio was able to obtain the support of a manager, who was fired for trying to help her.

“Sometimes the sexual harassment in restaurants and car dealerships is so uncomfortable that when you wake up in the morning, you’re sick to your stomach because you know that’s going to happen when you get there,” said Cotoggio. “It comes a point where I can’t keep going through that kind of treatment everywhere I go for a job.”

Cotoggio, who was in tears while reliving the experiences, said that when she chose to fight back against the harassment, she was told by friends, acquaintances and even lawyers that pursuing legal action could ruin her chances at finding a job.

“They would say that if these cases receive a lot of attention and employers find out about it, I’d have a hard time getting a job,” said Cotoggio. “You shouldn’t have a hard time finding a job because you were harassed.”

Cotoggio said that she pursued jobs at car dealerships and in the hospitality and film industries, and was harassed in all three lines of work, which she said are the worst fields for women.

“All of that happening and making it so uncomfortable to find a job is what pushed me to start a business of my own, so that I didn’t have to contend with that,” said Cotoggio. “I knew I was better off starting my own business, so I started playing around with my grandma’s recipe.”

She remembered when her grandmother used to bake her “famous cheesecake,” and Cotoggio would go to local restaurants and Whitestone, where her grandmother lived, to sell them.

“Everyone loved my grandma’s cheesecake,” said Cotoggio. “It’s light and fluffy, not dense like the others out there. A lot of people who make cheesecake use baker’s cheese. They don’t use real cream cheese, so they’re very dense and packed heavy. My grandma’s recipe is different and not like any cheesecake on the market.”

After researching ideas, she came up with a cheesecake sandwich idea.

“No one has ever done it,” said Cotoggio.

She immediately trademarked her cheesecake sandwich and got to work. Cotoggio’s Grandma’s Cheesecake Sandwiches currently have three flavors: plain, milk chocolate and chocolate chip.

“When I first created the sandwich, I started with the graham cracker on each side, but the top was too crumbly and I wanted the right cookie—because if you bite into it and it’s a hard cookie, it will cause the cheesecake to shoot out the other side, so I needed a really soft cookie,” said Cotoggio.

The plain cheesecake sandwich is made with a soft golden biscotti cookie, while the chocolate chip and milk chocolate sandwiches are made with a soft chocolate biscotti cookie.

“I chose to create a milk chocolate cheesecake sandwich because milk chocolate is my mother’s favorite, and I chose chocolate chip because that’s my favorite,” said Cotoggio.

Cotoggio said that she plans to expand her flavors and create an Amaretto-flavored cheesecake sandwich for the holidays.

Currently, Grandma’s Cheesecake Sandwiches are sold at Empire Market, located at 14-26 College Point Blvd.; Varsi Deli, located at 15-72 149th St.; Robert’s Butcher Shop, located at 205-09 35th Ave.; and Marino Brothers Supermarket, located at 163-07 29th Ave., for $5.99 apiece.

Cotoggio’s goal is to grow her business in the manner of the popular Baked by Melissa, a chain of bakeries that specializes in miniature cupcakes.

Cotoggio is currently working on selling her cheesecake sandwiches to more shops and supermarkets in addition to launching her website this week.

For more information visit grandmascheesecakesandwiches.com.

Reach Ariel Hernandez at (718) 357-7400 x144, [email protected] or @reporter_ariel.

Located at 12-40 Clintonville St, Whitestone, Grandma’s Cheesecake Sandwiches is your go-to spot for a cheesecake treat that will leave you craving more. But don’t just take our word for it – here’s what our customers have to say:

“Never had cheesecake sandwiches before Grandma’s Cheesecake Sandwiches, and they changed my world. I can’t get enough. Simply amazing!” Sherborne W. ~ Jamaica, NY “Why didn’t anyone think of this before? CHEESECAKE you can eat with your HANDS! Like, while you’re driving to that party, and you’re bringing the Grandma’s Cheesecake Sandwiches, because, duh and really, why not one for the road? You deserve it. My kids don’t even like cheesecake, and they scarf these babies down. Our favorite: Chocolate Chip.” Leila S. ~ Los Angeles, CA “Great great product. Delicious frozen or thawed. I am totally impressed.” “So I couldn’t wait until I got home to try the cheesecake, I dove into it in the late afternoon.  That is the best cheesecake I’ve ever had and I’m not just saying that.  It was so light and moist… I usually don’t like cheesecake because it is usually dense and thick and sometimes dry.  Like eating a brick. It was like clouds.  Moist and soft.  Not too sweet.  I kept thinking about the taste long after I finished and that is saying something. It was cloud-like comfort.  Cloudlike comfort food.”  “Cheesecake sandwich is great! I tried the chocolate chip.”

Over at 12-40 Clintonville St, enjoying your favorite cheesecake flavor has never been easier. Whether you’re treating yourself or surprising a loved one with a sweet gift, Grandma’s Cheesecake Sandwiches is here to make every moment sweeter.”

Join us and experience the magic of Grandma’s Cheesecake Sandwiches for yourself. Come become a fan today!

Grandma’s Cheesecake Sandwiches are available on Goldbelly and UberEats

Hey there, fellow bakers-to-be! Ready to soak up some wisdom from Lisa Cotoggio, the brains (and heart) behind Grandma’s Cheesecake Sandwiches?

Lisa’s got some solid advice for all you sweet-toothed dreamers out there. First things first: if you’re not passionate about sweets, why bother, right? Whether it’s whipping up pastries, cookies, or cakes, it’s gotta be a labor of love, not just work.

Now, let’s talk about how Lisa’s journey started. It wasn’t some grand plan from the get-go. Nah, it all began with a simple desire to recreate her grandma’s mouthwatering recipes. So, she traded the nightlife scene for the pastry kitchen, following her heart’s craving for sweetness.

Choosing what to serve wasn’t a walk in the park, though. Lisa had to blend her gut instincts with what the market wanted, cooking up a menu that’d have folks lining up around the block. Her secret sauce?

Pay attention to what your customers are craving and don’t be afraid to mix things up. After all, the kitchen’s your playground, right?

Now, dealing with suppliers and vendors is a people game. It’s all about trust and keeping those communication lines wide open. Oh, and having good credit? That’s like the icing on the cake. People want to work with folks they can rely on speaking both socially and financially.

And let’s not forget the bumps in the road every baker faces. Lisa’s been there, done that. Even after facing a pandemic with everlasting changes,  she’s got this unbeatable recipe for bouncing back: optimism, adaptability, and a deep love for baking. Turn those setbacks into opportunities and keep serving up joy to your customers.

Lisa’s story is a reminder that passion, creativity, and hard work can take you far in the baking industry.

Grandma’s Cheesecake Sandwiches are available on Goldbelly and UberEats