Elegant Orange Blossom Cheesecake Recipes

ORANGE BLOSSOM CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Beat cream cheese until smooth.
• Beat in honey, OJ and vanilla.
• Then beat in eggs (one at a time) until well blended.
• Whisk in lemon and orange rinds.
• Place filling on crust (a store-bought graham cracker crust).
• Bake 15 minutes at 225 degrees and then reduce heat to 200 degrees and bake 1 1/2 hours.
• Topping: Mix ingredients. Remove cheesecake from oven and spread topping over the cheesecake. Bake for 5 minutes only at 400 degrees.

ORANGE BLOSSOM CHEESECAKE WITH RASPBERRY AND POMEGRANATE SAUCE

Steps:

• For crust:
• Wrap foil around outside of 9-inch-diameter springform pan with 3-inch-high sides. Butter pan. Blend first 5 ingredients in processor until nuts are ground. Using on/off turns, blend in butter until crumbs are moist. Press onto bottom and 2 inches up sides of pan.
• For filling:
• Preheat oven to 500°F. Using electric mixer, blend first 5 ingredients in large bowl. Blend in eggs and yolks 1 at a time. Pour into crust.
• Bake cheesecake until slightly puffed and beginning to brown in spots, about 12 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 200°F and continue baking until gently set in center (edges may crack), about 1 hour. Transfer to rack and cool 5 minutes. Run knife around pan sides to loosen. Cool completely. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Do ahead: Can be made 2 days ahead; keep refrigerated.
• For sauce:
• Bring juice to boil in heavy large saucepan. Reduce heat; simmer until reduced to 1 cup, about 35 minutes. Mix in raspberries and sugar. Simmer until reduced to 3 cups, stirring frequently, about 20 minutes. Mix in honey; bring to simmer. Cool slightly. Cover; chill until cold. Do ahead Can be made 1 day ahead; keep refrigerated.
• Release pan sides. Cut cheesecake into wedges and transfer to plates. Spoon sauce over cheesecake; serve.

ELEGANT ORANGE BLOSSOM CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Place a greased 9-in. springform pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square). Securely wrap foil around pan., In a large bowl, combine crumbs, 2 teaspoons orange zest and butter. Press onto bottom and 2-in. up sides of prepared pan., In a large saucepan, combine orange juice and ginger; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until syrupy and reduced to about 3 tablespoons. Strain and discard ginger., In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in ginger syrup, melted chocolate, vanilla and remaining orange zest. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Pour into crust. Place springform pan in a large baking pan; add 1 in. of hot water to larger pan., Bake at 325° for 70-80 minutes or until center is just set and top appears dull. Remove springform pan from water bath; remove foil. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight., For candied orange slices, in a large skillet, combine water and sugar. Cook and stir over medium heat until sugar is completely dissolved. Add orange slices. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer for 45 minutes or until translucent. Drain oranges on a wire rack; arrange in a single layer on waxed paper to dry., Remove sides of pan. Top cheesecake with candied orange slices. Refrigerate leftovers.