Cheesecake

This is a recipe I got in high school from my Food and Nutrition teacher.  After making it for class, I copied the recipe to make it again and again.  I usually make cheesecake for summer festivities, such as picnics, parties, and reunions.  I tend to get the best results using strawberry or cherry pie filling as the topping, but you can use almost any fruit or even chocolate if you desire.  I always get compliments and people tend to fight over who gets the last piece.  On the plus side, I never have to worry about bringing the leftovers home.  Although this recipe is a bit time consuming, it is definitely worth the wait.  The finished product will without a doubt make your mouth water.

Ingredients:

• 1 package of graham crackers (16 squares)
• 1 cup and 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 3 tablespoons of melted butter
• 19 oz. of softened cream cheese
• 2 teaspoons of grated lemon peel (optional)
• ½ teaspoon of vanilla
• 3 eggs
• Favorite pie filling toppings

To make the crust:

First preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.  Then crush your graham crackers in a large baggie using a rolling pin.  Then measure out 1 ¼ cups of the graham crackers and mix the crumbs with 2 tablespoons of sugar and 3 tablespoons of melted  butter.  Then press the mixture to the bottom of a 9-inch spring-form pan.  Bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.  Let cool, or the cream cheese will curdle.

To make the filling:

Reduce the oven’s temperature to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.  Then beat the softened cream cheese in a large mixer bowl.  Add 1 cup of sugar gradually and beat until fluffy.  Add the vanilla and grated lemon peel if you wish to use it.  Then beat in 3 eggs, one at a time.  Then pour the filling over the already made and cooled crumb crust.  Bake at 300 degrees Fahrenheit until the center is firm, which will take about an hour.  Let cool to room temperature.  Then refrigerate for at least 3 hours, but no longer than 10 days.  Loosen the edges of the cheesecake with a knife before removing the side of the pan.  Cut into slices and serve with desired pie filling toppings.