Graham Cracker Crust
18 crushed graham crackers
3 Tablespoons sugar
1/3 cup melted butter
2 pinches of cinnamon
Mix all the Graham Cracker Crust ingredients in bowl. Add to a 9 inches glass baking dish. Press crust into the bottom and sides of pan. Set aside, DO NOT BAKE.
Cream Cheese Mixture
2 - 8 oz cream cheese packages
2 eggs, room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 Tablespoon vanilla
1 Tablespoon Brandy
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
Cherry Topping
1 -21 oz can of premium cherry pie filling and topping
1/4 of a lemon
4 Tablespoons sugar
Mix well and set aside in the refrigerator (Remove lemon before topping cheesecake)
Mix all the cream cheese mixture with an electric mixer on high speed for 5 minutes. Pour this mixture into the graham cracker crust. Smooth and even out.
Bake in a preheated 325 oven for 30 minutes or until firm.
Remove from oven. Let rest for 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 5 hours. Add cherry topping.
Serves 8 to 10
(1946)
Frank Capra's "Its a Wonderful Life" is "the" Christmas classic! Jimmy Stewart plays George Bailey, a man who learns the hard way how truly blessed he is. The ending always bring tears to my eyes, no matter how many times I see it. My recipe for Holiday Cherry Cheesecake is a classic among cheesecakes. A special dessert to showoff during the holidays or anytime you want to treat yourself, family, and friends to something extra special. Happy Holidays to all and I wish you all a bright and Happy New Year!
