Happy National Cheesecake Day

Cheesecake has a long and rich history that dates back to ancient times. It is believed to have originated in ancient Greece around 2,000 BCE. The Greeks are thought to have served a simple version of cheesecake made with cheese, honey, and wheat.

Later, the Romans adopted this recipe and spread it throughout their empire. Over the centuries, cheesecake evolved with different regions adding their own twists. In Europe, during the Middle Ages, cheesecake recipes became more elaborate, incorporating eggs and various flavorings.

In the United States, cheesecake gained popularity in the early 1900s when cream cheese was invented and used in recipes. The New York-style cheesecake, famous for its creamy texture, became one of the most iconic variations.

Today, there are countless varieties of cheesecake, with diverse flavors, crusts, and toppings, enjoyed by people all over the world. It has truly become a timeless and beloved dessert.

Here’s a delicious and classic New York-style cheesecake recipe for you to try:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 4 packages (32 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs
• 2/3 cup sour cream
• 2/3 cup heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter or non-stick spray.
2. In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture firmly onto the bottom of the prepared springform pan to create the crust.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, until fully incorporated.
5. Stir in the sour cream and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
6. Pour the cream cheese filling over the crust in the springform pan.
7. Tap the pan gently on the countertop to remove any air bubbles.
8. Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
9. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven for another hour to cool gradually. This helps prevent cracking.
10. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
11. Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to chill and set.
12. Before serving, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and transfer it to a serving plate.

Optional: Top the cheesecake with your favorite fruit compote, chocolate ganache, or fresh berries before serving.

Enjoy your amazing New York-style cheesecake! It’s sure to impress your family and friends with its creamy, rich flavor.

Now you can have your cheesecake plain or with a fruit topping. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for making a fresh fruit compote that pairs wonderfully with cheesecake or other desserts:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust according to the sweetness of the fruit)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. Rinse the fresh berries under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. If using larger berries like strawberries, slice them into smaller pieces.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the mixed berries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and water.
3. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the berries soften and release their juices. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. If you prefer a thicker compote, you can mash some of the berries gently with a fork while they are cooking.
6. Once the fruit compote has reached your desired consistency, remove the saucepan from the heat.
7. Stir in the vanilla extract if you’re using it, which adds a lovely depth of flavor.
8. Let the compote cool to room temperature before serving. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
9. Serve the fresh fruit compote alongside your cheesecake, ice cream, pancakes, or any other dessert you like.

You can store any leftover fruit compote in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. It’s a versatile and delightful topping that adds a burst of fruity goodness to your favorite treats!

And since we are based in Georgia, here’s a simple peach cheesecake recipe for you:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and diced

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter or cooking spray.
2. In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan to form the crust.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Fold in the sour cream and heavy cream until the batter is well combined.
6. Gently stir in the diced peaches.
7. Pour the cheesecake batter over the crust in the springform pan.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes or until the edges are set, and the center is slightly jiggly.
9. Turn off the oven, crack the oven door open, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for about an hour.
10. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
11. Once chilled and set, you can serve the peach cheesecake as it is or top it with additional fresh peach slices or whipped cream.

Enjoy your delicious homemade peach cheesecake!