Cheese Cake

Crust

½ cup butter

½ cup sugar

1 egg

½ tsp. salt

2 tsp. vanilla or 1 tsp. almond extract

1 tsp. baking powder

1 ¾ cup all purpose flour

Filling

2 – 8 oz. packs cream cheese

1 cup sugar

3 eggs

¼ cup lemon juice

1 tsp. grated lemon rind

1/8 tsp. salt

Cinnamon (optional)

Crust: Cream butter and sugar.  Add egg and combine thoroughly.  Stir in salt and flavouring.  Stir in flour and baking powder till well blended.  Pat into 9" spring form pan.

Filling  Beat cheese and sugar.  Add eggs and beat till smooth.  Add juice, rind and salt and beat well.  Pour over crust and sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.

Bake at 350 for 35 – 40 minutes or until firm in center.

Another wonder from my sister-in-law.  This is her mother's recipe and is a German style cheesecake that never fails to win the hearts of all that come near it.  I took it to a party once where it was described as "an orgasm on a plate".  Fall off your diet for this one.  Win the heart of your lover.  My grandmother used to say that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach.  In this rare instance, I think it may be true.  Warning... do not serve this cheesecake to anyone you don't want to at least "know".

Preheat Oven To: 350

Serves:  8 - 10

Serve With:  Caution

Topping: Top with any fruit, canned or fresh or simply sprinkle with cocoa powder.   If you are using fruit you can create a glaze to drizzle over it with:

1/3 cup of cranberry or orange juice

1 tsp. lemon juice

1 tbsp. sugar

1 tbsp. contreau, brandy, Grand Marnier  (or any compatible liquor)

Bring all above ingredients to a boil and add:

1 tsp. cornstarch - mixed with a very small amount of water. 

Simmer until thick, drizzle over fruit and let cool.