Angela's Cheesecake

Servings: 16
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Start to finish: 2 hours 30 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours

Notes: All items should be at room temperature to prevent cheese cake from cracking.

Make crust first, then set aside while you prepare cheesecake batter. For an extra delight, after making crust, sprinkle with chocolate chips, pie filling, or anything else that tickles your fancy. Pour your batter over this. I have gotten rave reviews when using pie filling on top of the crust, esp blueberry filling. It gives a wonderful visual...layers of color that ooze out onto the plate. Fresh fruit does not tend to hold up well through the baking process.

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup sugar
1 stick butter
3 8 oz packages Cream Cheese, I recommend Philadelphia for best taste
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon lemon juice

1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
Line a springform pan with parchment paper. Lightly coat with a non-stick cooking spray.

2. For the CRUST:
In a large bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1 cup sugar, and 1 stick of butter. Mix until you have a consistency of wet sand. Press the mixture into the bottom of the springform pan. For a more finished look, also press up onto the sides of the pan. Set aside.

3. For the BATTER:
ALL INGREDIENTS NEED TO BE AT ROOM TEMPERATURE TO PREVENT CRACKING. DO NOT OVERMIX INGREDIENTS, AS THIS WILL INTRODUCE AIR INTO THE MIXTURE AND CREATE CRACKING. CHEESECAKES ARE VERY DELICATE, YOU WILL NEED TO PRACTICE A LOT--which isn't so bad, if you love cheesecake.

4. Using a mixer on low speed, combine 1 8oz package of cream cheese with 1/3 cup of sugar. Repeat, using all cream cheese and sugar. Next, still on low speed, blend in eggs one at a time. Add in vanilla, then add in lemon juice.

5. Pour mixture on top of crust. Bake for one hour at 250F. Then, turn the oven off, open the oven door and let cheesecake set in the oven for another hour.

6. Remove cheesecake from oven and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.

7. To remove cake from pan, wrap a warm, wet cloth around the outside of the pan for a minute, then pop the spring slowly.

8. Serve plain or with your choice of fruit.