Basic Cheesecake With Flavor Variations Recipes

Steps:

• BASE:.
• In a food processor or blender combine the biscuits and melted butter until fine crumbs.
• Press the crumbs evenly and firmly into a 23cm (9") round springform tin or one with a removable base.
• Smooth with a spoon and place in fridge.
• FILLING:.
• Beat the cream cheese for a few mins on low speed with an electric beater until soft and lump free.
• Slowly add the sugar while continuing to beat on low.
• Once the sugar is incorporated slowly pour in the cream while still beating on low.
• On a higher speed whip the cream cheese & cream mixture til it holds its shape completely when the beater passes through the mix and it looks a little grainy.
• Spoon into the chilled base and smooth with a spatula.
• Chill for at least 4hours or overnight.
• Remove from tin and place on serving dish.
• Cut into portions using a hot dry knife. Between each slice, clean & reheat knife by dipping into hot water & drying. This makes neater portions.
• VARIATION #1.
• RIPPLED JELLY CHEESECAKE:.
• Make a basic cheesecake and place in fridge while you prepare jelly.
• Place 250mls water, 90g raspberries or other berries and 3Tblsp sugar into a pot and simmer for 2mins.
• When cooled a little, puree in a blender until smooth and return to clean pot on the stove and over a low heat stir in 1tsp gelatine until dissolved.
• Pass the mixture through a fine sieve into a metal bowl and chill until it reaches a thick soup like consistency.
• Pour this over the chilled cheesecake and use a fork to fold in the jelly by working in circles.
• When the jelly is partially worked in, tap the tin on the bench until the surface flattens, then place in fridge for at least 4hrs to set.
• VARIATION #2:.
• CHOCOLATE CHIP CHEESECAKE.
• Make basic cheesecake using either plain or chocolate biscuits for base.
• Melt 120g dark chocolate, then squiggle onto the surface of made cheesecake before chilling.
• Using a fork, quickly work circles of chocolate through the cheesecake. The chocolate will set while you are doing this.
• Tap the tin on the bench to settle & flatten the surface then chill for 4hrs or overnight.
• For a real treat you can use both the jelly and chocolate in the one cheesecake to make it a "Rippled Jelly & Chocolate Chip Cheesecake :).