Pams Cheesecake Recipes

RICH AND CREAMY CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to 325 degrees. Place foil over bottom disk of a 9-inch springform pan, tucking excess underneath disk; assemble pan. Pull up foil around pan sides. Brush interior of pan with butter. Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs into pan, tilting it in all directions to coat evenly with crumbs. Cover exterior of pan with a sheet of heavy-duty foil and set in a large roasting pan. Bring a kettle of water to a boil for water bath.
• Meanwhile, beat cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add sugar and beat on medium speed until it is fully incorporated, about 3 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until just incorporated and scraping down bowl after each addition. Add zest and vanilla and beat until just incorporated. Stir in cream and sour cream by hand.
• Pour batter into springform pan. Set roasting pan on oven rack, set springform pan in it, and pour in enough boiling water to come about halfway up the side of springform pan. Bake until perimeter of cake is set but center jiggles when pan is tapped, 55 to 60 minutes. Turn off heat and leave oven door ajar, using a long-handled kitchen fork or spoon if necessary to hold it open for 1 hour. Remove springform pan from water bath and set on a wire rack; cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, at least 4 hours. Cheesecake can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.

PAM'S CHEESECAKE RECIPE

Steps:

• In a bowl, combine crumbs, sugar and butter. Press on bottom and 2 1/2 inches up sides of an 8 inch springform pan. Set aside.
• Let cheese soften at room temperature 1 - 1 1/2 hours. Beat until creamy. Add vanilla and lemon or orange peel. Mix sugar, flour and salt, slowly blend. Add eggs and yolks one at a time. Beat after each yolk just enough to blend. Gently stir in whipping cream.
• Turn into crust lined pan. Bake at 450 degrees for 12 minutes; reduce heat to 300 degrees and bake for 55 minutes.
• Allow to cool. Loosen sides with spatula after 30 minutes. Cool well before adding topping.