BLUE RIBBON CHEESECAKE WITH STRAWBERRY OR RASPBERRY SAUCE

BLUE RIBBON CHEESECAKE

This firm, extra-special cheesecake only gets better as it ages.  Cheesecakes for the holidays could not be more decadent or more appropriate...especially for low-carbers.  This is where we shine in low-carbing, because we're not so afraid of the fat.  It's the sugar and white flour and high carbs that we try to avoid so carefully.  It's those things that raise cholesterol and cause extra inflammation in the body.  I made a white chocolate cheesecake with caramel topping for Christmas and it was a hit!  I have ONE piece left to photograph and hope it does justice to such an awesome cheesecake.  I'll share it soon if the photos turn out half decent. :)  Have a Happy New Year everyone!  Let 2014 be the best year ever in many ways for you and your loved ones!

Note:  This recipe is also in Volume 1 of Low-Carbing Among Friends.

Almond Crust:  (Double the crust if you would like it more substantial)

¹/₂  cup ground almonds (125 mL)

Sweetener to equal 2 tbsp sugar (30 mL)

1 tbsp oat flour, optional (15 mL)

2 tbsp butter, melted (30 mL)

1 egg yolk

Filling:

16 oz light cream cheese, softened (500 g)

8 oz regular cream cheese, softened (250 g)

Liquid sweetener to equal 1¹/₄  cups sugar, OR use a combo of erythritol and liquid sweetener (300 mL)

¹/₃  cup unsalted butter, melted (75 mL)

3 eggs

2 tbsp vanilla extract (30 mL)

Raspberry or Strawberry Sauce, OR top with Creme Fraiche:

1¹/₂  cups frozen unsweetened raspberries, OR (375 mL)

  Strawberries

Liquid sweetener to equal ¹/₄  cup sugar (60 mL)

3 tbsp water (45 mL)

¹/₂  tsp Thickening Agent, OR xanthan gum (2 mL)

Crust:  In medium bowl, combine ground almonds, sweetener and oat flour, if using.  Stir in butter and egg yolk.  Sprinkle in 9-inch (23 cm) glass pie dish or springform pan.  Cover with plastic wrap and press crust out evenly; remove plastic wrap.  Bake in 350°F (180°C) oven 10 minutes.

Filling:  In food processor with sharp blade, blender or in bowl with electric mixer, process cream cheeses until smooth.  Add liquid sweetener, butter, eggs and vanilla extract; process until smooth.  Pour over crust.  Bake in 350°F (180°C) oven 35 to 40 minutes.  Cool to room temperature.  Cover cheesecake in center with slightly cooled Raspberry or Strawberry Sauce.  Refrigerate.  Later garnish perimeter with piped Crème Fraiche, if desired.

Raspberry or Strawberry Sauce:  In medium saucepan, combine raspberries or strawberries, liquid sweetener and water.  Sprinkle Thickening Agent, OR xanthan gum over warm berry sauce. Cook over medium heat until boiling and thickened.

Variation:  Blue Ribbon Maple Walnut Cheesecake:  Use walnuts and maple extract.  Omit Strawberry Sauce.  Garnish with Crème Fraiche,

(3.1 g net carbs)

Yield:  12 servings

1 serving

281.1 calories

7.8 g protein

25.3 g fat

4.3 g net carbs