Classic Cheesecake with Spiced Chile Peaches

So, I don’t know about you guys, but I LOVE cheesecake! I love any cheese product…stinky, creamy, stringy, curd form, mixed into a sauce, baked or fried. Just not easy cheese in a can…which someone I love, LOVES! CHEESE IS GREAT!! So, it’s no surprise that cheesecake just happens to be one of my favorite desserts!
When I make cheesecake I really like classic flavor mixed with the unexpected topping. Recently I made a classic cheesecake with spiced peaches. The twist, the peaches were spiced with an unusual ingredient- Chinese Peppers. I know, this combination sounds a little crazy but it really works!

Here is how I make cheesecake

Ingredients:

1 ½ cup Graham Cracker crumbs
4- 8oz packages of cream
1 ¼ cup sugar
Zest of 1 lemon
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
4 eggs @ room temp.

• Preheat the oven to 325F. Grease an 8-inch spring-form pan with a layer of parchment on the bottom.
• Place on a round of foil 4-5 inches larger than the diameter of the pan. Press firmly against the sides of the pan.
• Sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs in the bottom of the pan and press into even layer
• Place into oven and toast 12 min.

• In a food processor, place cream cheese and pulse until smooth
• Once smooth, transfer cream cheese to standing mixer and add in sugar, lemon zest and lemon juice.
• Beat eggs into mixture one at a time and then finish with the vanilla.
• Mix batter until just combined.

• Pour batter into prepared pan and place in larger baking pan and place in oven.
• Pour enough HOT water in the outer pan (about 1”)

• Bake about 2 hours (cheese cake is done when you slightly shake pan and do not see a ripple)
• Let cool in the hot water and then allow cheesecake to chill completely in refrigerator at least 4 hours.
• Run knife along outer edge to release from pan

Cheesecakes are one of the many simple things to make in the kitchen.  Just remember, be aware of what's happening in the oven! If the water runs low, refill with HOT water.  If the top begins to brown, place some foil and slit the top to allow steam to escape.  Don't over bake...this causes cracks.  It's not too hard but just takes passion and dedication!

To make the Peaches

1 can sliced peaches
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon fresh grated nutmet
Pinch of ground clove or 1 whole clove
1/2 Tien Tsin Pepper

Place spices into mortar and pestle and grind into powder.
mix powder into peach mixture and heat over stove

Slice cheesecake and top with sliced peaches.


Happy Cooking!