PISTACHIO CARDAMOM CHEESECAKE

Pistachio Cardamom Cheesecake image

Cardamom has a sweet and warm taste that makes you think of clove, allspice and pepper all wrapped in one spice. Mix it with pistachios and add to cheesecake for a dessert that suggests the exotic flavors of India. -Carolyn Harkonnen, Loomis, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h5m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1-1/4 cups finely crushed animal crackers
3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
FILLING:
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom
1 drop green food coloring, optional
3 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup pistachios, finely chopped
Sweetened whipped cream, optional
Optional: Additional chopped pistachios and animal cracker crumbs

Steps:

Preheat oven to 325°. Place a greased 9-in. springform pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square). Securely wrap foil around pan., In a small bowl, combine cracker crumbs and brown sugar; stir in butter. Press onto the bottom of prepared pan. Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes. Cool on a wire rack., In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Beat in the milk, lemon juice, cardamom and, if desired, food coloring. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Fold in pistachios. Pour over crust. Place springform pan in a large baking pan; add 1 in. of boiling water to larger pan. , Bake for 35-40 minutes or until center is just set and top appears dull. Remove springform pan from water bath; remove foil. Cool cheesecake on a wire rack for 10 minutes; loosen sides from pan with a knife. Cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight., Remove rim from pan. Top cheesecake with whipped cream and sprinkle with pistachios and cracker crumbs if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 375 calories, Fat 26g fat (14g saturated fat), Cholesterol 118mg cholesterol, Sodium 259mg sodium, Carbohydrate 30g carbohydrate (23g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 9g protein.