KEY LIME CHEESECAKE I

KEY LIME CHEESECAKE I



1-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
6 tablespoons butter, melted
24-oz. cream cheese softened
1 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3 eggs
1 tablespoon grated lime zest
2/3 cup key lime juice


Combine cookie or graham cracker crumbs with butter or margarine. Press into bottom and partially up sides of 9-inch springform pan. Refrigerate.

In a large bowl, beat with an electric mixer the cream cheese, sugar, and lime peel and cornstarch until smooth and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, blending just until smooth. Add key limejuice with mixer on low. Finish mixing by hand. Do not over beat, or cake will crack during baking. Pour batter into prepared crust.

Bake at 300^ for 55-65 minutes, or until set. To minimize cracking, place a shallow pan half full of hot water on lower rack during baking.

Turn oven off, and let cheesecake stand in oven 30 minutes with the door open at least 4-inches. Remove from oven. Refrigerate cake overnight, and up to 3 days.


Yield: 12 servings.