Who wants dinner?: Cheesecake

This is my wife's favorite. Cheesecake is fun to make because you can be so creative with the toppings! However, she prefers her cheesecake to be plain.

Start with crushing some graham crackers. These are gluten free graham crackers which is why they look so funny. About 15 graham cracker sheets should be good. Once they are crushed, combine with a stick of butter, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.

Then press the crust mixture into a springform pan. Press down firmly to make the crust.

Then place it in the freezer for a few minutes while you make the cheesecake batter.
For the batter, you'll need to start by beating three 8oz packages of cream cheese with 1-1/2 cups sugar until well combined.

Next add 4 eggs, beating after each egg. Then add 1/2 cup sour cream. Beat again.

Then pour your cheesecake batter into the crust. Spread it to try to create a smooth top.

Then prepare the bath. I believe in cheesecake baths. I've never had a cheesecake crack yet. It has to be the bath. I wrap the pan in aluminum foil to help prevent water from seeping in. Then place the springform pan inside a larger pan and surround by water. This helps keep the temperature even during baking. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour and 20 minutes. Then turn off the oven, open the oven door, and let the cheesecake sit right where it is for the next half hour.

I should have taken a picture at this point, but I didn't. It will look a little underdone. It will still be a little bit jiggly. But it should be done. It's hard to know when a cheesecake is done. Make several cheesecakes until you figure this out.

Then place it in the fridge for at least 2-3 hours to set. Yay, cheesecake!

Now, to the toppings!!! First, cherry topping - my favorite. You'll need frozen cherries (or fresh if available), lemon, sugar, cornstarch, and water.

Combine 12 ounce bag of cherries with 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, and a tablespoon of cornstarch.

Mix it all together, bring to a boil, and let it cook at a simmer while it thickens.

Then remove from heat and let it cool.

Next topping - mocha sauce!! (The coffee pot is intentionally in the picture).

Combine in a saucepan a 12oz package of semi sweet chocolate chips, 1/2 cup whipping cream, and 1 tablespoon of butter.

Heat over low to medium heat until melted and combined.

Turn off the heat and add 1/4 cup of strongly brewed coffee. Add a sprinkle of salt.

Next, grate up a square of semi-sweet chocolate.

Then make some whipped cream. You'll need to mix 1 cup of whipping cream with 1 tablespoon of sugar. It's best to put the bowl and mixer in the freezer for a bit first.