Lemon Cheesecake With Warm Dried Cherry Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 2/3 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 tablespoons grated lemon rind
• 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 6 large eggs
• Warm Dried Cherry Sauce

Preparation

1. Combine first 3 ingredients, mixing well. Press crumb mixture into bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
2. Combine cream cheese, lemon rind, lemon juice, and vanilla; beat at high speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add 1/2 cup sugar and salt, beating well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating after each addition. Pour batter into prepared crust.
3. Bake at 325° for 50 minutes or until cheesecake is almost set. Turn oven off, and partially open door; leave cake in oven 1 hour. Remove from oven; run a knife around edge of pan, and release sides. Cool completely on a wire rack. Cover and chill at least 8 hours. Serve with Warm Dried Cherry Sauce. Store in refrigerator.