Londonderry Cheesecake

Crust

  • In a medium bowl, combine first three ingredients.
  • With a fork or pastry blender, cut in butter until crumbly then, using a fork, stir in 2 egg yolks and vanilla to form a dough.
  • Refrigerate 30 minutes and preheat oven to 400°F.
  • Press one third of the dough evenly on the bottom of a 9 inch springform pan.
  • Bake for 10 minutes until golden brown. Let cool.
  • Press the rest of the dough around the sides of the springform pan, within 1 inch of the top.
  • Set aside.

Filling

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, using the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese on high speed until fluffy.
  • Gradually add the finely grated cheddar cheese, beating until well blended, about 5 minutes.
  • Turn oven to 500°F.
  • In a medium bowl, combine sugar, vanilla, orange and lemon zest.
  • Add gradually to cream cheese mixture, beating until smooth. Add the eggs and egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • Stir in beer and cream.
  • Pour filling into 10 inch springform pan.
  • Bake 10-12 minutes, or until top is golden brown, then reduce oven heat to 250°F and continue baking 2 hours or until top is firm and toothpick inserted in centre comes out clean.
  • Cool on a wire rack. Once completely cool, remove the sides of the pan, wrap loosely in plastic wrap and refrigerate 2 hours or overnight.
  • For serving, add 1/3 cup of sugar to a tub of sour cream and spread it on the centre of the cake.
     

Served with a fruit plate, this is a nice play on cheese as dessert. Pair with a fruity style beer for a treat.