Cheesecake

Classic cheesecake, let the basic recipe inspire you! Usually I serve this with a fruit topping. Sometimes I add chocolate chips, caramel swirls.... inside or on top! When I have it, I also add some aromatic liquor like the French poire or Italian Marsala (about 2 tbsps).

TIP: Make this cake the day before!

Crust
1 cup graham crackers
1/2 tsp cinnamon
3 tbsps brown sugar
5 tbsps melted butter or margarine

Filling
Rind 2 lemons
24 oz cream cheese
1 cup sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp vanilla
5 egg

Topping
1 1/2 cups sour cream
2 tbsps sugar
1/2 tbsps vanilla

Preheat oven to 350°.
Grease bottom & sides of a spring form pan and/or line with wax paper.
Mix together ingredients for crust. Pat in crumbs on bottom & sides of pan.
For filling, mix cream cheese & grated lemon rinds into a large bowl.
Beat until creamy.
Add sugar, eggs & salt.
Beat until smooth.
Pour into pan.
Bake until set, about 45 min.
Remove from oven to let cool 10 minutes.
Prepare topping by beating ingredients until dissolved.
Spread onto cooled cake.
Return to oven 10 minutes.
Remove & let cool, then refrigerate at least several hours before serving.

Before serving, decorate with chocolate shavings or fruit topping.