New York Cheesecake III

Ingredients

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and salt. Add the melted butter and stir until combined. Press the mixture into the bottom and sides of the prepared pan.
3. In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating until just combined. Beat in the vanilla, sour cream, and lemon juice. Pour the mixture into the prepared crust.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Turn the oven off and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours before serving.
5. In a medium bowl, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add the confectioners' sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Top the chilled cheesecake with the whipped cream and serve.

Interesting Facts

• The New York-style cheesecake was invented in the late 19th century.
• Cheesecakes date back to Ancient Greece.
• Cheesecake is the most popular dessert in the United States.