Say the word “cheesecake” and it rolls off the tongue, bringing with it associations of decadence and sweet, creamy goodness. In New York, it’s even “famous”. Yet many people opt to buy this time-honored dessert, thinking it must be complicated and time-consuming to make. This couldn’t be further from the truth. If cheesecake is a favorite for your family, then the following recipe can show you how to whip one together quickly and easily.
The recipe also comes with a fun story: one day, as a friend was driving home, she noticed sheets of paper littering the side of the road, whipping up near her windshield as she drove along. Feeling curious, she decided to stop and see what was written on these mysterious scraps. It turned out that this “trash” became her treasure; each scrap contained a recipe, neatly hand-written, from the 1950’s. Hence, forever after, this cheesecake will be referred to as “Roadside Cheesecake”.
Here is the recipe that came from someone’s grandma (we just don’t know whose):
NOTE: Prepare ahead of time by letting the cream cheese soften to room temperature. Also, the cheesecake needs to bake one hour, then remain in the turned-off oven an additional hour. Don’t start this project too close to bedtime.
Crust:
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup melted butter
Spring pan (9 _” x 3 _”)
Mix crumbs and butter and line spring pan with it. Refrigerate.
Meanwhile, Preheat oven to 300 degrees and prepare the filling:
5 eggs (separated)
1 cup sugar
1 lb. cream cheese (softened)
1 pint sour cream
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. lemon juice
Using a mixer, beat yolks. Add sugar. Next, Add cream cheese gradually, then sour cream. Add vanilla and lemon juice. Beat all very well, especially yolks and sugar. Beat whites separately and then fold in gently. Pour into spring pan with crust. Bake for 1 hour. Open door and leave in oven with heat off for 1 hr. Cool. Refrigerate 24 hours.
This recipe will help you make an incredibly delicious cheesecake in a short amount of time. Not only will your friends be impressed with your baking skills, you may find your popularity will also increase! Next time you’re looking for a dessert to serve at a dinner party, or a fabulous addition to a potluck, Roadside Cheesecake promises timeless delight.