New York Cheesecake

For the crust:

• 15 full size graham crackers (1 ½ packages), crushed
• ½ cup melted butter
• ½ cup sugar

Filling:

• 5 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 ¾ cups sugar
• 3 tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 5 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• ½ tsp. vanilla extract
• Fruit topping (optional)

Method:

Mix graham crackers, butter and ½ cup sugar together well and pat into the bottom and sides of a 9-10 inch springform pan. Put into the freezer while preparing the filing. Preheat the oven to 550 degrees F.

In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar and flour until smooth and creamy. Add eggs, yolks and vanilla – one at a time. Stir well between additions, scraping the sides of the bowl often.

Pour the filling over the crust. Wrap the bottom and halfway up the sides of pan with aluminum foil to prevent water seeping into the cheesecake. Place the cheesecake pan into a baking and with sides and place into the oven. Fill the outer pan with hot water.

Bake at 550 degrees F for 10-12 minutes or until puffed. If it starts turning brown too quickly, turn the oven down immediately. Reduce the oven to 200 degrees F and bake for 1 hour or until the cake is mostly firm. The center will still jiggle slightly when the pan is shaken.

Remove from the oven and run a wet knife around edge to loosen. Cool on the countertop for 2 hours. Put in the refrigerator to cool completely overnight.

For the garnish:

Serve plain or with fruit topping drizzled over cheesecake, if desired.

Tested in the THASC kitchen. Photo by THASC.

THASC is a unique small American business producing cards and other promotional products.

www.thasc.com