Betty Busciglio’s Infamous Cheesecake (New York Style)

A rich New York style cheesecake, easy to prepare - if you have an electric mixer - and you can make it ahead and freeze it.  Pretty much makes it the perfect dessert.  In a perfect world it would come out of the oven after its cooling period without that annoying crack in the middle, but should that happen - not to worry!  Just add a fruit topping, such as the sliced strawberries that I use and no-one will be the wiser.

Betty Busciglio’s Infamous Cheesecake

HAVE ALL INGREDIENTS AT ROOM TEMPERATURE!

24 ounces cream cheese

1½ cups sugar

4 eggs

2 cups sour cream

1 cup  heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1.  Beat cream cheese until smooth in mixer or processor

2.  Add sugar gradually and beat till light and fluffy

3.  Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition

4.  Add remaining ingredients and mix well.

5.  Pour into 9" springform pan (or 2 6” or 7” pans) which has been prepared with the crust of your choice.

6.  Bake at 350° for one hour, turn off oven and leave cake for one hour.

7.  Remove, cool and refrigerate.  Freezes very well.

Makes 16 generous servings

Graham Cracker Crust:

3/4 package graham crackers, crushed into fine crumbs (processor is great!)

4 tablespoons very soft butter

3 to 4 tablespoons sugar

1/4 cup pecans, toasted and finely chopped, if desired

Fruit topping of your choice.

WATCH THE VIDEO

Cucumber Salad with Sour Cream (Slide Dish)

One of the first times I had dinner at the home of my husband-to-be, his mother served a cucumber salad with sour cream.  I had never heard of eating sour cream and really couldn't imagine why anyone would want to!  It took quite a while, but eventually I did try it - more out of politeness than anything else - and I was amazed to find it was delicious.  Today, I wouldn't think of serving steak or roast beef without this great side dish.

1 cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
1/2  medium onion, diced
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cup sour cream

Combine the cucumber, onion and salt.  Fold in sour cream, cover and chill for at least an hour.  Stir before serving.

WATCH THE VIDEO DEMONSTRATION: