| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 60 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 850 | 56g | 33g | 70g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 34g | 2g | 13g | 0.8g |
I have always been in love with comfort food, taking cues from my Boston roots and inspired by the wholesome, nourishing meals that my Irish grandparents would indulge us with. Imagine, if you will, the creamy, crumbly goodness that is cheesecake, but now further elevated. That very thought led me to the creation of the Star Apple Cheesecake. This dish has its feet firmly planted in both worlds of taste, the tart yet sweet star apple cutting through the richness of the cheesecake, all in a perfect marriage of flavors.
The Story behind the Star Apple Cheesecake
Cooking is as much about experimentation as it is about retaining the memory of a taste, a time, and a place. That is evident in the creation of my Star Apple Cheesecake. While this may not be a family recipe passed down through generations, it’s certainly one I will pass down to my dear son. The decadence of the cheesecake interspersed with the crisp undertones of star apple takes me back to my childhood.”},
The contrast is akin to a Boston winter, fierce cold buffered by the warmth and comfort of a family gathering. It reminds me of my fiance Laura and our little boy, gathered around the dinner table, eager to have a lovingly homecooked meal.
The Health and Flavor Balance: A Cheesecake Redefined
This Star Apple Cheesecake isn’t just about the indulgence, it’s about balance. While cheesecakes are often considered a ‘guilty pleasure’, this recipe breaks the mold by integrating the nutritious star apple. Not only does it add a unique fruity zest to this classic dessert, but also provides a generous dose of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants (source). Transforming the traditionally rich cheesecake into a lighter, yet equally satisfying treat is the true beauty of this recipe.
And of course, if you’re looking for a perfect meal pairing, why not consider a classic New England Clam Chowder or a serve-it-up warm Shepherd’s Pie? Both of these dishes play wonderfully with the fruity, creamy depths of the Star Apple Cheesecake, creating a comforting and indulgent dinner spread.
In conclusion, the Star Apple Cheesecake is truly a labor of love, a hearty mix of indulgence and nutrition, of respect for the old and the thrill of the new. It’s a gift from me to you. A piece of my heart served on a plate and a moment in time captured in every bite.
What You’ll Need
- For the crust:
- 1.5 cups of graham cracker crumbs
- 0.5 cup of melted unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- For the cheesecake filling:
- 3 x 8oz packages of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract
- For the star apple topping:
- 3-4 ripe star apples
- 0.5 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup of water
Method
Step One
Begin with the crust by combining and mixing 1.5 cups of graham cracker crumbs, 0.5 cup of melted unsalted butter and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Once these ingredients are well-combined, press the crust mixture into the bottom of a springform pan and set aside.
Step Two
Next, move on to the cheesecake filling. In a large mixing bowl, blend 3 packages of softened cream cheese with 1 cup of granulated sugar until it reaches a silky consistency. Following this, mix in 3 large eggs, one at a time. Make sure to fully incorporate each egg before adding the next. Finally, add 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract into the mixture. Continue to mix these ingredients until they are well-blended.
Step Three
Now, pour the cheesecake filling over the graham cracker crust in the springform pan. Make sure to smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake this in a preheated oven until the cheesecake is set. This will usually take about an hour.
Step Four
While the cheesecake is baking, it’s time to create the star apple topping. Remove the flesh from 3 to 4 ripe star apples and place them in a saucepan along with 0.5 cup of granulated sugar and 1/4 cup of water. Cook this mixture over medium heat until it begins to thicken into a syrup.
Step Five
Once the cheesecake is finished baking, allow it to completely cool before you spread the star apple topping over it. Your Star Apple Cheesecake is now ready to serve.
