I guess you could say I'm on a bit of a kick citrus. What can I say? The bright flavors, tart remind me of warmer weather and now it's all I can think of. I for one am on these sad days and look forward to the crisp spring morning which are just around the corner. Also- my groceries happened to have a bag of adorable key limes for sale (which never happens), so I just had to buy them.
I wanted to make a beautiful cheesecake which was a tart little, but not sour and creamy and smooth to be too dense and rich . It was the perfect recipe and the end result was to die for good: thick graham cracker crust, cheese cake with lime cream there, and a layer of whipped cream on top. Although I would not consider a dessert "healthy" my family / friends who tasted all agreed that the texture / flavor has a mild taste. (No key limes in sight? Regular lime juice would work and make this just as delicious!)
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
- 24 ounces of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 eggs
- zest of 1 lime
- ½ cup lime juice key
- 1 cup whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- Preheat over to 300F.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs with the butter or margarine. Press down and partially on the sides of a 9 inch springform pan. Bake for 15 minutes while preparing the filling.
- In large bowl, with electric mixer beat the cream cheese, sugar, lime zest and cornstarch until smooth and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing until smooth. Add the lime juice with low mixer. Finish mixing by hand. (Do not over mix.)
- Place a shallow container filled with boiling water on the bottom shelf of the oven. Place cheesecake on a top shelf and bake at 300 degrees F (150 degrees C) for 55 to 65 minutes or until.
- Turn off oven and let cheesecake stand in oven for 30 minutes with the door open at least 4 inches.
- Remove from oven, cool completely, then refrigerate the cake overnight, and up to three days.
- before serving, whip cream with an electric mixer until thick and creamy. Add powdered sugar and spread on the cake
