Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 4 packages (8 oz each) of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp of salt
- 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup of heavy cream
Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch springform pan
- Electric mixer
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease the springform pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture onto the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Add the sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until well combined.
5. In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and heavy cream until smooth. Let it cool for a few minutes.
6. Pour half of the cheesecake batter into the prepared crust. Drizzle half of the melted chocolate over the batter. Repeat with the remaining batter and chocolate.
7. Use a knife to swirl the chocolate into the cheesecake batter.
8. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
9. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside for 30 minutes.
10. Remove from the oven and run a knife around the edges to loosen the cheesecake. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
11. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
12. Serve chilled.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 55-60 minutes
Total time: 5 hours (including chilling time)
Temperature:
325°F
Serving size:
12 slices
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 539
Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 23g
Cholesterol: 167mg
Sodium: 397mg
Carbohydrates: 39g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 29g
Protein: 8g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use chocolate graham crackers instead of regular graham crackers for the crust.
- You can use bittersweet chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate for a less sweet version.
- You can use light cream cheese and sour cream for a lighter version.
Variations:
- You can add chopped nuts or crushed cookies to the crust for extra texture.
- You can add a tablespoon of espresso powder to the batter for a coffee-flavored cheesecake.
- You can top the cheesecake with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before using it to avoid lumps.
- Don't overmix the batter to prevent cracks on the surface of the cheesecake.
- Use a water bath to prevent the cheesecake from cracking.
- Let the cheesecake cool completely before slicing it to get clean cuts.
Storage instructions:
- Store the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating instructions:
- You can serve the cheesecake chilled or at room temperature. Do not microwave it as it will melt the chocolate.
Presentation ideas:
- Garnish the cheesecake with fresh berries or chocolate curls.
- Serve it on a cake stand for an elegant presentation.
Garnishes:
- Fresh berries
- Chocolate curls
- Whipped cream
Pairings:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Red wine
Suggested side dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Vanilla ice cream
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheesecake cracks, you can cover it with whipped cream or a fruit topping to hide the imperfections.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure all the ingredients are fresh and not expired.
- Wash your hands and utensils before handling the food.
- Store the cheesecake in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth.
Food history:
- Stracciatella is a type of Italian gelato that consists of vanilla ice cream with chocolate shavings.
- Cheesecake has been around since ancient Greece and was served to athletes during the first Olympic games.
Flavor profiles:
- Creamy
- Rich
- Chocolatey
- Sweet
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the cheesecake as a dessert after a dinner party or special occasion.
- Bring it to a potluck or picnic for a crowd-pleasing dessert.
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Region: Italian