STRAWBERRY AMARETTO CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• You will also need: 9-inch springform pan.
• To prepare crust place graham crackers, sugar and butter in a small mixing bowl. Blend well with fingers or a pastry blender. Press into the bottom of a well-buttered 9" springform pan. Chill in the freezer or refrigerator for about 30 minutes while you prepare the batter and strawberries.
• In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar and heavy cream until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, making sure that the mixture is smooth after beating in each egg.
• Add the lemon juice, brandy extract, sour cream, vanilla, and flour and continue beating until very smooth and creamy.
• Fold in the chopped strawberries. Pour the mixture into the chilled springform pan that you have placed on a cookie sheet (the batter will come to the top of the pan so do not be alarmed).
• Bake in a preheated 425° oven for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 275° and continue to bake for 1 hour.
• Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool for 3 hours. While the cake is cooling, marinate the sliced strawberries in the Amaretto and sugar for about 3 to 4 hours.
• Arranges the slices decoratively on top of the cooled cheesecake and bake in a 350° oven for 7 minutes.
• Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely for 2 hours. Remove the sides of the springform pan and refrigerate overnight.
• Remove the cake from the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.