Final Prep/Stand Time 20 minutes
Make-Ahead Time 10 hours or overnight
YIELD Makes 16 servings
INGREDIENTS
Crust 35 vanilla wafers 3/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted 1/3 cup sugar 1/4 cup butter, melted Filling 3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened 3/4 cup sugar 4 eggs 1/3 cup whipping cream 1/4 cup lemon juice 1 tablespoon grated lemon peel 1 teaspoon vanilla Topping 1 pint strawberries 2 tablespoons sugarPREPARATION:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. For crust, combine wafers, almonds and 1/3 cup sugar in food processor; process until fine crumbs are formed. Combine crumb mixture with melted butter in medium bowl. Press mixture evenly on bottom and 1 inch up side of 9-inch springform pan. Set aside.
- For filling, beat cream cheese and 3/4 cup sugar in large bowl at high speed of electric mixer 2 to 3 minutes or until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Add whipping cream, lemon juice, lemon peel and vanilla; beat just until blended. Pour into prepared crust. Place springform pan on baking sheet. Bake 45 to 55 minutes or until set. Cool completely on wire rack. Cover and refrigerate at least 10 hours or overnight.
- To complete recipe, for topping, hull and slice strawberries. Combine with sugar in medium bowl. Let stand 15 minutes. Serve over cheesecake.