Amaretto-Laced Cheesecake

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers
• ½ cup butter, melted
• 3 8-ounce packages of cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 eggs
• ½ cup amaretto
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Stir in amaretto, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Pour into the prepared pan.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before removing from the pan.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving.

Interesting Facts

• Amaretto is an Italian liqueur made from almonds and apricots.
• The origin of this Italian liqueur is still disputed, but it is widely believed to have originated in Saronno, Italy.
• The name “amaretto” derives from the Italian word “amaro”, which means “bitter” in reference to the bitter almonds used to make it.