JAPANESE STYLE MATCHA CHEESECAKE WITH SHORTBREAD CRUST

Steps:

• CRUST--------------------.
• Gently combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 egg and 1/2 cup butter in a medium bowl.
• Spread to the edges of 9" spring form pan.
• Prick all over with a fork, then bake 10-15 minutes at 400 degrees F until lightly browned. Allow to cool on a rack.
• FILLING-----------------.
• Heat oven to 350 degrees.
• Beat cream cheese with milk to soften.
• Add half of the sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch and lemon juice. Beat until smooth.
• Dissolve matcha powder with 2 tablespoons of boiling water and mix until very smooth, no lumps; and mix into cream cheese mixture.
• Beat egg whites in a separate bowl until foamy.
• Gradually add remaining sugar and cream of tartar into the whites, beating on high speed until soft peaks form, about 8-10 minutes.
• Gradually fold beaten egg whites into the cream cheese mixture, stirring gently.
• Pour into cake pan and smooth the surface.
• Wrap the cake pan with large aluminum foil.
• Place cake pan into a larger roasting pan and place in lower rack of oven.
• Pour enough water into the roasting pan to come half way up the side of the cake pan.
• Bake 35-40 minutes, until a pick inserted in the middle of the center comes out clean.
• TOPPING-----------------.
• Mix sour cream, sugar, and vanilla well.
• Pour on top of cheesecake and spread evenly.
• Bake at 400 for 5 minutes.
• Turn off the oven and keep in the oven for the next hour with the oven door slightly open.
• Refrigerate overnight.