Mary's Cheesecake

Ingredients

• 1 package of graham crackers, crushed
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup fresh berries

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 9 inch springform pan.
2. In a medium bowl, combine crushed graham crackers and melted butter. Press onto the bottom and about 1 inch up the sides of the pan.
3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time. Add vanilla and salt, and mix until combined.
4. Pour cream cheese mixture into the prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes. Turn off oven and leave cake in oven for an additional 15 minutes.
5. Remove from oven, and cool completely. Spread sour cream over top of cake, and sprinkle with fresh berries.

Interesting Facts

• Cheesecake is thought to have originated in ancient Greece.
• The average cheesecake has about 500 calories.
• Cheesecake is often served with fresh fruit or chocolate sauce.