Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Special Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch springform pan
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Zester
- Citrus juicer
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Mix well and press the mixture onto the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Set aside.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add in the 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar and continue beating until well combined.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Mix in the sour cream, heavy cream, orange juice, orange zest, ground cardamom, and salt until well combined.
6. Pour the mixture into the prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Bake for 1 hour or until the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
8. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 30 minutes.
9. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
10. Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
11. When ready to serve, remove the cheesecake from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
12. Release the cheesecake from the springform pan and transfer it to a serving plate.
13. Slice and serve.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Cooling and refrigeration time: 4 hours or overnight
Temperature:
325°F
Serving size:
12 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 540
Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 23g
Cholesterol: 195mg
Sodium: 370mg
Carbohydrates: 39g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 31g
Protein: 8g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Graham cracker crumbs can be substituted with crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers.
- Orange juice and zest can be substituted with lemon juice and zest.
- Ground cardamom can be substituted with ground cinnamon or nutmeg.
Variations:
- Add a layer of orange marmalade on top of the crust before pouring in the cheesecake mixture.
- Top the cheesecake with whipped cream and candied orange peel.
- Add a tablespoon of orange liqueur to the cheesecake mixture for a boozy twist.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before using it to avoid lumps in the cheesecake mixture.
- Use a water bath to prevent the cheesecake from cracking.
- To make the cheesecake extra smooth, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before pouring it into the crust.
Storage Instructions:
Store the cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating Instructions:
To reheat the cheesecake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes and then bake it in a preheated oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes.
Presentation Ideas and Garnishes:
- Top the cheesecake with fresh orange slices and mint leaves.
- Dust the cheesecake with powdered sugar.
- Drizzle the cheesecake with melted chocolate.
Pairings and Suggested Side Dishes:
- Serve the cheesecake with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
- Pair the cheesecake with a glass of sweet dessert wine.
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cheesecake cracks, it may be due to overbaking or sudden temperature changes. To prevent cracking, bake the cheesecake in a water bath and let it cool gradually.
- If the cheesecake is too dense, it may be due to overmixing or using cold ingredients. Make sure the ingredients are at room temperature and mix the cheesecake mixture just until well combined.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before preparing the cheesecake.
- Store the cheesecake in the refrigerator at all times to prevent bacterial growth.
Food History:
- Cheesecake originated in ancient Greece and was served to athletes during the first Olympic games in 776 BC.
Flavor Profiles:
- The Orange-Cardamom Cheesecake is creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet with a hint of citrus and spice.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Orange-Cardamom Cheesecake as a dessert after a dinner party or as a special treat for a holiday gathering.
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