Cheesecake!

My friend asked for my favorite cheesecake recipe yesterday.  I'm slightly lazy and don't want to have to type it out a bunch of times, so I thought I'd type it once on my blog and then be able to find it whenever I need too.  (Even though I almost have it memorized.)

From the Taste of Home Cookbook.  (I love the Taste of Home recipes).

Cheesecake

2 Cups crushed vanilla wafers

1/3 cup butter, melted

3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened

1 cup sugar

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

3 eggs

2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1.  In a small bowl, combine wafer crumbs and butter.  Press onto the bottom and 1-1/2 inches up the sides of an ungreased 9-in spring form pan (I've used a 10 and it turns out just fine).  Place on a baking sheet.  Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes.  Place pan on a wire rack to cool.  Reduce the heat to 350 degrees.

2.  In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.  Combine the sugar and flour; add to cream cheese and mix well.  Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined.  Stir in cream and vanilla.  Pour into crust.

3.  Return pan to a baking sheet.  Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until center is almost set.  Cool pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes.  Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer.  Refrigerate until completely cooled.  

The great thing about this cook book is they gave some tips on making cheesecakes.  So here are a few things I've learned from that and some trial and error!

1.  Don't over beat the eggs when you put them in.

2.  I haven't ever used a water bath with this recipe.  As long as I cool it correctly I haven't had a crack in a while!

3.  This recipe freezes really well.  I will cut it into individual slices and stick it in the freezer until the kiddos are in bed and I can enjoy it without sharing!:)  

This is a great cheesecake to try if it's your first one!  Hard to mess up and the vanilla wafers make the best crust!