NEW YORK-STYLE CHEESECAKE


3 lb. cream cheese, softened 
6 eggs
1 1/2 c. sugar
juice of 1 lemon
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt
whipped topping (optional)
strawberry or cherry topping (optional)


CRUST:

1 1/2 c. graham cracker crumbs
1/4 c. butter, melted
3 Tbsp. sugar


Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix above crust ingredients together, and press into the bottom and up the sides of a greased, 10-inch springform pan. 

Be sure the cream cheese is good and soft. You may have to soften it a bit in the microwave and then beat the contents of the packages together slightly in a bowl. (This really helps). Set aside. In a large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, lemon, salt, and vanilla together until thick and lemon-colored. Gradually add the softened cream cheese, a little at a time, until mixture is thick and smooth. Pour into prepared crust.

Bake for at least 1 hour. Continue baking and checking every 5 minutes if cake is too liquid in the center. (It will thicken somewhat as it cools). The top will be browned. Cool completely before serving. Serve with whipped topping and/or fruit topping, if desired. Keep refrigerated.


---------------------------------------------------------------