BLUE RIBBON - GUINNESS GINGERSNAP CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• 1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and spray with vegetable spray. (You can use the pan without parchment paper if you desire, just be sure to allow proper cooling at the end with the pan removed.)
• 2. Mix the butter with the gingersnaps and press into the tin, about 1-½ inches up the sides.
• 3. Combine the remaining ingredients with a whisk until smooth and pour into the prepared pan. Avoid over-beating the batter. Over-beating incorporates additional air and tends to cause cracking on the surface of the cheesecake.
• 4. Bake in the oven for one hour, 15 minutes or until firm, but the center will still be a bit loose. Remove from oven, run knife between parchment and pan to release springform pan, and gently pull off parchment paper. Allow cooling on wire rack away from drafts. This can also be accomplished by cooling in the oven after baking with the oven door propped open a few inches.
• 5. Slice and serve with a fresh pint of your favorite pint and top the cheesecake with some fresh sliced fruit.
• 6. Cooking tip: To Prevent Surface Cracking: Bake the cheesecake in a water bath to keep the oven moisture high and the heat gentle. (A water bath is using a larger roasting pan containing water in which to place the smaller cheesecake pan.) Don't over bake the cheesecake, or it will crack along the top and edges.