Candy Cane Cheesecake Recipe

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 cups chocolate wafer crumbs
• 1/3 cup butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• FILLING:
• 3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
• 2 tablespoons vanilla or white chips
• 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
• Red liquid or paste food coloring
• Crushed peppermint candy and whipped topping, optional

Directions

• Combine the first three ingredients; press onto the bottom of a 9-in. springform pan. Chill. In a bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth; add flour and mix well. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating just until blended. Stir in sour cream. Set aside.
• In a small saucepan over low heat, melt vanilla chips. Remove from the heat. Add 1/4 cup cream cheese mixture, extract and a few drops of food coloring; mix well. Pour half of the remaining cream cheese mixture over crust. Top with half of the peppermint mixture; swirl with a knife. Repeat layers.
• Bake at 325° for 35-40 minutes longer or until the center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan; cool 1 hour longer.
• Refrigerate overnight. Just before serving, remove sides of pan. Garnish with crushed candy and whipped topping if desired. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 12-16 servings.

Candy Cane Cheesecake published in Country Woman Christmas Annual 1997, p40