CHEESECAKE WITH GLAZED FRUIT

Cheesecake with glazed fruit image

Provided by Belinda Castillo

Time 55m

Number Of Ingredients 18

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2 pkg cream cheese, 8 oz each
1 1/2 tsp lemon rind, grated
2/3 c sugar
1/8 tsp salt
3 eggs
GRAHAM CRACKER CRUST
1 1/2 c graham cracker crumbs, fine
1/2 c confectioners' sugar
6 Tbsp butter, melted
1 tsp cinnamon
GLAZE
1 Tbsp cornstarch
1 c pineapple and apricot juice from canned fruit
FRUIT FOR TOPPING
3-5 fresh strawberries
1 can(s) pineapple slices in syrup
1 can(s) apricot halves
Several fresh blueberries

Steps:

1. Prepare crust by mixing graham cracker crumbs, confectioners sugar, butter and cinnamon. With back of spoon, press firmly on bottom and sides of 9" pie pan. Chill.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Let cream cheese soften at room temperature then beat with lemon rind until very creamy using an electric mixer. Add next three ingredients and beat at medium speed until blended, then beat for 5 minutes until smooth and creamy. Pour into crust and bake about 30 minutes; cool.
3. To decorate and glaze, put a hulled large strawberry n the center of pie. Arrange strawberry halves petal fashion around the center strawberry. Surround with blueberries. Cut pineapple slices in 1 1/2" wedges and arrange alternately with apricot halves around the edge of pie.
4. To prepare glaze: in small saucepan blend cornstarch, pineapple/apricot syrup and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Cook, starring over low heat until clear and thickened. Cool slightly. Spoon glaze carefully over fruit using just enough to cover.