New York Style Cheesecake

One of the husband's all-time favorite desserts is cheesecake. So when I texted him from work last week asking what kind of "cake" he wanted for his birthday, he bent the rules and texted back "no cake...cheesecake with cherries on top".

So that is what he got. Not that I was complaining.

It had been a long while since I baked a cheesecake and believe it or not the first time I ever used my spring form pan that we received as a wedding gift almost 5 years ago. Why did I wait this long? I think I was intimidated by it for some reason...but I squashed all the worries, as it turned out perfect.

P-E-R-F-E-C-T.

New York Style Cheesecake

1 1/4 c. graham cracker crumbs

4 T. butter, softened

1 c. sugar

4 - 8oz. packages cream cheese, softened

4 eggs

3 t. vanilla

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Mix together the first three ingredients and press down into the sprayed spring form pan and 1/2 way up the sides of the pan. Using a large or hand held mixer, cream the cheese and add the eggs one at a time. Gradually add in the sugar and vanilla.

Pour this mixture over the crust and bake for 1 hour. Refrain from opening the open door to check on the cheesecake (this can cause it to crack!) I'm very proud to say I had no cracks:)

Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack. Once cool, cover and keep in the fridge. Serve with whatever toppings you like!

I'm sad to say we ate the last of it tonight..no more cheesecake for us.

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In other news...

Congrats to Jen for winning my Facebook Chocolate Giveaway yesterday! She is now the proud owner of TWO bars of Green & Blacks Organic Dark Chocolate (almond and mint). Enjoy!

And...Mary...are you out there? Remember you won the previous magazine giveaway and I have yet to receive your address. One last chance before I hand them over to someone else! Email your mailing address to me at sweetandsavoryfood@hotmail.com.