Sunday's Food Tip: Bake the Perfect Cheesecake

Cheesecake has become one of the most popular desserts in the United States. Nothing is quite as rich and delicious, and as impressive to serve, as a firm creamy cheesecake with a glorious topping of fruit, sour cream, or chocolate.



But don’t be intimidated by this fancy dessert. You don’t have to BUY the perfect cheesecake from a pastry shop or bakery. Bake the perfect cheesecake yourself at home. You just need a good, easy-to-follow recipe, and a few tips for success before you get started.

First, learn some Cheesecake tips and read these additional hints for baking the perfect cheesecake.

Next, pick out the perfect recipe. Try one of these Top Ten Cheesecake Recipes from KRAFT.

Now, gather your ingredients and get started. You should be well on your way to baking the perfect cheesecake!

Here’s my favorite recipe. Be sure to follow the tips and hints (in the above links) when making this dish.

CHEESECAKE

Make a graham cracker crust according to the recipe on the graham cracker crumb box. Press the crust into the bottom of a 9 inch spring form pan and go up at least 1/2 inch on the sides.

Combine the following in a large mixing bowl:

2 (8 oz.) cream cheese (softened)

1 1/2 c. sugar

3 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

Beat until smooth. Pour into the crust and bake for 30 minutes at 375 degrees.

Cool and refrigerate. When cake has completely cooled, and just before serving, remove from spring form pan and place on a footed cake plate or other large plate. Spoon a can of prepared cherry (or strawberry) pie filling evenly over the top of the cake. Refrigerate any leftovers.



Bon appetit!