Family Favorite Cheesecake ™

This is a family favorite for the holidays. 


Packaged graham cracker crumbs for this recipe were used.  You can crumble the crackers yourself if preferred. You can crumble them by placing the crackers in a plastic baggie and roll a rolling pin over them until crushed. A food processor works as well.  




Crust


1  1/2 c crushed graham cracker crumbs
1/4 c sugar
1/4 c butter




Cheesecake Filling


1 pint small curd cottage cheese
1/2 c butter
2  8 oz packages cream cheese
4 eggs slightly beaten
1 pint sour cream
1/3 c corn starch
1 tsp vanilla
2  T fresh lemon juice
1  1/2 c sugar




Crust

Preheat oven to 325' F 


Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar and butter into a mixing bowl. Mix well. Spread mixture evenly into a 9 inch spring form pan. Bake on 325' F for 15 min. When crust is done baking, set aside. 




Filling


Beat cottage cheese until smooth.  Add ingredients in order given, beating well after each addition using medium speed on mixer.  After all ingredients are added, beat an additional 10 min. until mixture is smooth and creamy.  


Pour mixture onto prepared graham cracker crust.  Bake for 1 hr. and 20 min. at 325' F. After baking turn oven off and let it stand in oven for 2 hrs.  Don't open oven during baking time and standing time.


Remove from oven and allow to stand at room temperature an additional hour. Refrigerate until ready to serve.  Top with canned cherry pie filling or with your favorite cheesecake topping. 



Serves 10.