This classis New York-style
cheesecake, embellished with crushed, fresh strawberries is the
quintessential 'luxury' cake for a special occasion such as an
engagement, birthday or anniversary.
Ultimate
Strawberry Cheesecake
1 3/4 cups graham cracker
crumbs
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 cups cottage cheese
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
2 cups sour cream
1/3 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup crushed strawberries
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon red food coloring, optional
Preheat oven to 325°F
(160°C).
Combine graham cracker
crumbs, butter and sugar; mix to blend. Spread in bottom of a
9-inch springform pan; set aside.
Press cottage cheese through
a sieve into a large mixing bowl; add softened cream cheese.
Beat on high setting with an electric mixer until well blended.
Beat in sugar, then eggs. Reduce mixer speed to low; beat in
cornstarch, lemon juice and vanilla.
Add butter and sour cream;
beat until smooth. Pour into reserved springform pan. Bake for
1 hour 10 minutes or until firm around the edge. Turn oven off;
leave cheesecake in closed oven for two additional hours. Remove
from oven; refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Meanwhile prepare glaze
by mixing corn syrup, water and cornstarch in a small saucepan.
Blend until smooth. Add strawberries; bring boil for 1 minute.
Strain into a small mixing bowl. Stir in lemon juice and (optional)
red food coloring. Cool slightly, then drizzle on top. Smooth
with a knife.
