WHITE CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE WITH MACADAMIA CARAMEL SAUCE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325ºF.
• Lightly butter 9-inch springform pan.
• Tightly wrap bottom of pan with heavy duty aluminum foil.
• Mix together graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter in bowl.
• Press mixture in bottom of prepared pan.
• Refrigerate crust while preparing filling.
• MAKE THE FILLING:.
• Place solid ivory, butter and cream in small microwave-safe bowl.
• Microwave on medium(50% power) for 1 minutes.
• Stir.
• Microwave 30 seconds more or until chocolate is softened.
• Stir until smooth and let cool.
• Beat cream cheese in mixing bowl until smooth, using electric mixer at medium speed.
• Add sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
• Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Mix in vanilla and cooled solid ivory mixture, using low speed.
• Pour mixture over crust.
• Bake for 60-70 minutes or until top is slightly puffed and center is just firm.
• Turn off oven and leave cheesecake in oven for 1 hour more and prop open oven door.
• Cool in pan on wire rack.
• Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight.
• MAKE CARAMEL SAUCE:.
• To toast macadamia nuts, spread on baking sheet and bake at 350ºF for 8-10 minutes or until toasted.
• Combine sugar, water and lemon juice in saucepan.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until mixture turns light golden brown.
• Remove from heat.
• Heat heavy cream in another saucepan until it comes to a gentle boil.
• Gradually add hot cream to sugar mixture, stirring until blended.
• Cool completely.
• ASSEMBLE THE DESSERTS:.
• Loosen edge of cheesecake with a knife.
• Remove sides of springform pan.
• Cut into wedges.
• Add macadamia nuts to caramel sauce.
• Heat sauce over low heat and stir until sauce thins.
• Spoon over cheesecake wedges and serve immediately.
• Enjoy, you've earned it!