Some recipes are too good not to share, and this is certainly one of them. So, to close out 2022, I'm giving you one of my favorite recipes of all time.
While some recipes are just so good, some recipes don't live up to the hype -- this is not one of those. A colleague and friend who I brought leftovers of this in for one year -- probably five years ago -- still teases me about making another one and bringing him some. It's that good. Don't believe me? Try it.
Ingredients:
Crust:
2 cups finely ground graham crackers (about 30 squares)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 stick unsalted butter, melted
Filling:
1 pound cream cheese, two 8-ounce blocks, softened
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 pint of sour cream
1 lemon, zested
1 dash of vanilla extract
Warm Lemon Blueberry Topping, recipe follows
Warm Lemon Blueberries:
1-pint blueberries
1 lemon, zested and juiced
2 tablespoons sugar
FIRST: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
MAKE THE CRUST:
FIRST: In a mixing bowl, combine the ingredients with a fork until evenly moistened. Lightly coat the bottom and sides of an 8-inch springform pan with nonstick cooking spray.
THEN: Pour the crumbs into the pan and, using the bottom of a measuring cup or the smooth bottom of a glass, press the crumbs down into the base and 1-inch up the sides.
FINALLY: Refrigerate for 5 minutes.
MAKE THE FILLING:
FIRST: In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese on low speed for 1 minute until smooth and free of any lumps. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, and continue to beat slowly until combined. Gradually add sugar and beat until creamy, for 1 to 2 minutes. Add sour cream, lemon zest, and vanilla. Periodically scrape down the sides of the bowl and the beaters. The batter should be well-mixed but not overbeaten.
THEN: Pour the filling into the crust-lined pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Set the cheesecake pan on a large piece of aluminum foil and fold up the sides around it. Place the cake pan in a large roasting pan. Pour boiling water into the roasting pan until the water is about halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan; the foil will keep the water from seeping into the cheesecake.
FINALLY: Bake for 45 minutes. The cheesecake should still jiggle (it will firm up after chilling), so be careful not to overcook. Let cool in pan for 30 minutes. Chill in the refrigerator, loosely covered, for at least 4 hours.
MAKING THE BLUEBERRY TOPPING:
FIRST: In a small saucepan add all the ingredients and simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes or so until the fruit begins to break down slightly.
FINALLY: Leave to cool before spreading on cheesecake.
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER: Loosen the cheesecake from the sides of the pan by running a thin metal spatula around the inside rim. Unmold and transfer to a 10" cake plate. Using a spatula spread a layer of Warm Lemon Blueberry topping over the surface. Slice the cheesecake with a thin, nonserrated knife that has been dipped in hot water. Wipe dry after each cut.
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