Each week our resident chef shares recipes for the dishes that he is preparing for the Patriots’ games at his posh hubble…
Freaking Jets, huh?
Twice a year we get these guys, and I do the same thing each time - When the Patriots visit New Jersey, it's Reuben Sandwiches and when they come to Foxborough, it's always this cheesecake.
And not for any superstition - like with the season opening Karma Kookies - but just because it's pure smooth hell, and contrary to popular rumor, it's not expensive to make at all - maybe ten bucks, but it will require an investment of time and the proper equipment...
...because it is a process, and the pan needed to bake the beast in - a springform pan - is usually an investment of around 10-20 bucks at any department store, but that is offset because they can be used for several different applications - perfect for Shepherd's Pie, deep dish pizza, quiche and many kinds of desserts.
But today it's cheesecake, and this is the best cheesecake recipe I've ever used - and true to form, I vary from the original recipe to satisfy my own palate...
The baking directions may seem a bit over the top and labor intensive, but the variation in temperatures ensure that the top of the cheesecake doesn't develop unsightly cracks, which always pisses me off...
But first, the crust. Tradition doesn't call for any particular base for the crust, and I have used crushed vanilla wafers, chocolate chip cookies and puff pastry, but the favorite by far is crushed graham crackers, the simple recipe below - and while many cheesecakes are baked in a water bath to more evenly distribute the heat and allowing for even baking, this recipe sidesteps this time consuming and often messy procedure, so it is important to ensure that the mixing and baking directions are followed precisely:
Graham Cracker Crust:
2 Cups Graham Cracker Crumbs
1/4 Cup Granulated Sugar
1/2 Cup Butter
Snap together your springform pan. in a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients by hand to ensure even distribution of ingredients. When properly mixed, pour mixture into the pan and use your fist to lightly pack the mixture. Make sure that the entire bottom of the pan is covered evenly. You will probably have some of the mixture climb up the sides, but it's cool because it makes for a nice looking finished product. Place the pan in the fridge or even the freezer while you prepare the filling.
Filling:
Four 8 oz. packages of cream cheese
1 Cup Sugar
3 tbspn flour
5 Eggs
1/3 Cup Sour Cream
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tspn Vanilla
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sugar and flour. Mix with your hands until ingredients are well incorporated. Add eggs one at a time, whisking each egg into the mix before adding another. Add sour cream and whisk in well, then add zest and vanilla. Whisk for about 15 seconds until all ingredients have been just incorporated. Do not over mix, for this will also cause the top to crack.
Take pan from the cooler and immediately pour the filling on top of the crumbs, using a spoon to smooth the top. Place pan on a sheet pan and place in the 350 degree oven. After 15 minutes, reduce heat to 250 degrees and bake for one hour, checking the cheesecake for firmness at about 45 minutes.
Cheesecake outer edges should be completely firm, and center may still be spongy, which is fine.
Pull cheesecake from the oven and put entire pan on cooling rack. After it cools for about a half hour, unclasp the springform pan and remove the side ring, exposing the entire cheesecake. Place in refriderator for 4 to 5 hours. When ready to serve, cut cake into slices using a knife dipped in hot water, wiping the knife dry (You really only want the heat, not the water). Slice carefully so as not to cause cracking. Serve with you favorite topping, but it is delicious plain as well.
Then, eat that sucker.
It's a requirement to have a slice of cheesecake every time that that the Jets' quarterback gets sacked, and the Patriots will do their best to make sure that you get to enjoy at least one piece - though if the team goes off and sacks the QB multiple times, you may want to consider either reducing that requirement to just one bite or taking about a 30 mile walk afterwards, because cheesecakes are fattening...
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