LCBO Food & Drink Holiday 2020

CHEESECAKE 101

RECOMMENDED INGREDIENTS

Tips for success All you need to know: ingredients to buy, pans and utensils to use, plus words from the wise— we’ve got you covered.

DO

DON’T

Don’t cut into the cake until it is well chilled.

Catch the wobble! Many cheesecake recipes call for wrapping the springform pan in foil and baking in a water bath. The theory being that the surrounding water ensures even baking, a smooth, creamy tex- ture, and thus no cracking. Success HERE, however, lies in the proper baking time—just until the edges are slightly puffed and the centre is a bit soft and wobbly. The cake continues to set upon cooling, with no cracks! Have all ingredients at room temperature. The cream cheese MUST be on the soft side.

This recipe was made with classic Philadelphia Cream Cheese. Avoid using the more expensive “natural” or specialty versions since your cake may not set properly.

Don’t worry if there are cracks on top. It will still be delicious.

Avoid overbeating and therefore over-aerating the batter, especially once the eggs are added.

Use a deep pie dish that mea- sures 9 ⁄ inches (24 cm) across the top. Be sure to press the crust crumbs not only on the bottom of the dish but all the way up the sides as well. A 9-inch (23-cm) square pan can also be used. Prepare as you would in a springform pan, but first line the pan with a cross of parchment paper so that all 4 sides are covered; pat crust into bottom of pan. SPRINGFORM + SUBSTITUTES A solid leakproof springform pan is recommended, but there are other options.

Likewise, use full-fat sour cream for the topping and natural vanilla extract for both layers.

When trying out different cookies for the crust, be mindful of the amount of melted butter you add. Some cookies may only require a small amount to clump together. If you add too much butter, it may leak out of the pan and onto the oven floor. You may want to place the springform pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips.

MY FAVOURITE TOOL

THE SIZE AND ANGLE OF A SMALL OFF SET METAL SPATULA MAKES IT THE PERFECT TOOL FOR SPREADING CAKE BATTERS, OR IN THIS CASE, THE THIN LAYER OF SOUR CREAM, SMOOTHLY AND EVENLY.

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HOLIDAY 2020 FOOD & DRINK