Serves: 8-10

Ingredients:


3 x 250 g packets cream cheese, softened

220g caster sugar

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

zest and juice of 2 limes

3 eggs

1 egg yolk

125 ml pouring cream

fresh lime wedges and double cream, to serve

cheesecake base

1 x 250g packet nice or granita biscuits

2 tablespoons brown sugar, firmly packed

125g unsalted butter, melted

Method:


1. To prepare the cheesecake base, process biscuits and sugar in a food processor until fine crumbs form. Add butter and process until combined. Press mixture over the base of a 22cm non-stick springform tin. Use a palette knife smooth the base. Chill for 1 hour.


2. Preheat oven to 220°C.


3. Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, lime zest and juice in a bowl until just smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating until just combined. Add egg yolk and beat until just combined. Stir in cream. Pour mixture into tin over crumb base.


4. Bake on lowest shelf for 10 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 150°C and bake a further 25-30 minutes or until mixture is almost set.


5. Cool cheesecake in oven with door slightly ajar. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.


6. Cut into generous slices and serve with a fresh lime wedge and double cream.

Chef's Tips


1. Use the base of a drinking glass to help press crumbs over base of tin.


2. For a glamorous garnish, grate dark chocolate over top of cheesecake before serving – it has a natural affinity with lime.


3. Be careful to only remove the thin coloured part of the peel when zesting citrus fruit as the white pith underneath is very bitter.


4. Most cheesecakes are better made a day in advance. It gives the flavours time to develop and allows the texture to firm. Baked cheesecakes are best eaten at room temperature.

For more cheesecake inspiration visit Yahoo!7 Food!