posted by bme 01-30-102 9:17 PM
Cream Cheese Cheesecake
Yield 20 servings.
3 tablespoons butter
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1-1/2 pounds cream cheese
1-1/2 cups white sugar
8 eggs
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups heavy whipping cream
Grease an 16 inch springform cake pan thickly with butter. Turn pan on its side, place a few graham cracker crumbs in pan and shake so crumbs stick to sides. Keep turning and add crumbs as needed until sides are well coated. Set pan upright and coat bottom of pan. Put pan into freezer for 30 minutes or refrigerator for 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
With electric beater, mix cream cheese, sugar, egg yokes, flour, vanilla, and salt. Beat thoroughly and then turn mixer to slowest speed and slowly pour in the cream.
Beat the egg whites until stiff but not dry. Add to the above mixture and fold the whites in by hand, lightly but thoroughly. Pour mixture into the crumb-lined pan.
Set pan into shallow pan containing 1 inch hot water and bake at 300 degrees F (150 degrees C) for 1 1/2 hours. Should be set along sides and slightly wobbly in the middle.
Refrigerate for at least 6 hours before serving. Note: You may cover the cake with a layer of strawberries, cherries, etc. but, in my opinion, this cake is very, very good and easily stands on its own. The fruit just distracts from its great flavor and texture.