STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter springform pan. Line with parchment paper overhang or use circle parchment paper method (see section on different ways to prepare a springform pan).
• 2. In a medium bowl mix together graham cracker crumbs, sugar and butter. Press into prepared springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Let the crust cool completely before starting the cheesecake filling.
• 3. Preheat oven to 290 degrees. Using a stand mixer with paddle attachment or hand mixer on medium beat the cream cheese until is smooth and creamy. Beat in the sugar, sour cream and vanilla extract until well combined. Remove from the mixer and add the eggs one at a time mixing with a spatula just until combined. Do not overmix. Pour the mixture into the cooled graham cracker crust.
• 4. Bake for 55 minutes. Turn off the oven and slightly open the oven door. You can use a wooden spoon and lodge it into the oven door to crack it just a little bit. Leave it in the oven for 1 hour to cool down slowly. Fully cool the cheesecake before placing it in the refrigerator in its pan. For best results chill at least 6 hours or overnight.
• 5. Add half the strawberries and sugar to a medium saucepan over medium low heat. Simmer for about 5-7 minutes or until the strawberries just start to break down. Mix the cornstarch and water. Gently stir it into the strawberry mixture. Add the rest of the strawberries and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Let it cool to room temperature before spooning on fully cooled cheesecake.
• 6. Carefully remove the cheesecake from the pan. Top with fully cooled strawberry sauce and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.