Brightly coloured birthday cakes with lots of candles are exciting for children, but adults might appreciate something different to mark the occasion. A sophisticated adult birthday party requires a sophisticated dessert. With or without candles, this delicious cheesecake will add that "wow" factor to any gathering.
Cheesecake is a type of flan or tart and is filled with cream cheese or curd cheese such as ricotta. Traditional cheesecakes are baked, although recipes for uncooked cheesecakes call for setting the filling with gelatine. Cheesecakes are often topped with fruit, while some include chocolate or nuts.
Cheesecake in History
Fans of the Olympics will be interested to learn that cheesecake is believed to have been served to the athletes during the first Olympic games in ancient Greece in 776 B.C.
The Romans introduced cheesecake to the rest of Europe. Each European country has its own version of cheesecake. Hundreds of years after the Roman influence, American immigrants brought their cheesecake recipes from Europe. There are now many different regional styles of American cheesecake based on original European recipes. A popular example is the vanilla-based New York cheesecake.
Recipe for Brandy and Lemon Cheesecake
This light, creamy cheesecake is fairly simple to make with the right preparation. Pre-heat the oven to 325F, 160C or gas mark 3. Set out a food processor, electric beater or hand-whisk, 2 large mixing bowls, three small bowls for separating eggs and melting butter, measuring cups and spoons, a grater, mixing spoons and oven gloves. Choose either a square or round 9-inch baking pan.
List of Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1 cup British digestive biscuits or American graham crackers, crushed
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons melted butter (unsalted is better)
For the Middle:
- 16 oz. light cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
- 1 teaspoon brandy
- 2 medium eggs, separated and at room temperature
For the Top:
- 1 cup low-fat plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon brandy (plus some for sipping)
Putting It All Together
- Combine the crumbs, sugar and melted butter and press firmly in the bottom of the 9-inch baking pan. Bake at 325F, 160C or gas mark 3 for 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and turn the temperature down to 300F, 150C or gas mark 2.
- Carefully separate the eggs, making sure no yolk is in with the whites. Whisk the egg whites until stiff.
- In a food-processor or with an electric mixer, blend together the softened cream cheese, sugar, lemon, rind and brandy. Blend in the egg yolks. Fold the stiff egg-whites carefully into the cheese mixture. Pour over crust and bake at 300F for 45 minutes.
- Mix the yogurt with the sugar and brandy and spread evenly over the cheesecake. Bake for 10 more minutes. Cool completely, then chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Dessert Time
Decorate the cheesecake with thin lemon slices, sugared fruits or fresh berries. A birthday candle or two is always necessary regardless of age. Serve on pretty dishes with a glass of white wine or a cup of Earl Grey tea. Enjoy!
Melinda Green Traves - I studied writing with the Writer's Bureau. I have a BFA in Dance from the Boston Conservatory, and teach ballet and Sunday school.
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