CHERRY CHEESECAKE

• 1 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup  melted butter
• 2–8oz packages cream cheese, room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 3 cups sour cream 
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

CHERRY TOPPING

• 5 cups (1&1/2 lbs) fresh or frozen (thawed and drained) pitted cherries
• 1/2 cup  granulated sugar
• 1/4  cup water
• 1 tbsp  cornstarch
• 1 tsp almond extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees and grease the sides of a 9″ springform pan.
2. Mix the cracker crumbs and melted butter together in a small bowl. Press into the bottom of the springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes and set aside to cool.
3. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until combined.
4. Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well in between on low speed.
5. Blend in the sour cream and vanilla until smooth. Gently pour the batter over the crust.
6. Bake for 60-75 minutes or until the edges are set and 2-3″ of the center is still wobbly.
7. Turn off oven and run a thin knife along the edge to loosen the cake from the sides. Let cool in the oven for an hour with the door ajar. Then cool to room temperature before refrigerating for a minimum of 4 hours or preferably overnight.

CHERRY TOPPING

In a medium saucepan, heat the cherries, sugar and 3 tbsp of the water until heated through. Dissolve the cornstarch in the remaining 1 tbsp of water. Stir in the cornstarch and almond extract and continue to cook until sauce thickens (about 1-2 minutes). Let cool completely. Spoon over cheesecake before serving.