NEW YORK STYLE CHEESECAKE RECIPE

3 lbs. cream cheese
1 3/4 c. sugar
1 1/4 c. sour cream
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. lemon juice
6 eggs
1 tsp. grated lemon peel

CRUST:

1 1/2 c. graham cracker crumbs
4 oz. butter, melted
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 c. sugar

OPTIONAL FILLING INGREDIENTS:

Chocolate chips, Amaretto, fresh raspberries

Combine the graham cracker crumbs with the cinnamon and sugar. Add the melted butter. Press into pans and set aside. Cream the cheese, then add the remaining ingredients with the eggs last. Whip until smooth. Bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees, then turn down oven and bake for 55 minutes to 1 hour at 275 degrees. If the top starts to overflow the pan, press in sides gently. After the baking is done, put wax paper on top and place a plate on top of paper to weigh it down. Cool. Top with sour cream layer and chocolate swirls; strawberries or leave plain.

By: Slavica Milenkovic