Orange Cheesecake

A refreshing orange-flavored chilled cheesecake!!

Estimated Time Needed: Est. Preperation: 50 mins Est. Refrigating: 3hrs, 45 m

Ingredients: 1 cup graham cracker crumbs 1/3 cup Butter, melted 1/4 cup sugar 1 cup orange juice 1/4 cup water 2 (.25-oz.) envelope unflavored gelatin 1 1/2 cups sugar 5 eggs, slightly beaten 1 tablespoon grated orange peel 1/2 cup Butter, softened 2 (8-oz.) packages cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions: Stir together graham cracker crumbs, melted butter and ¼ cup sugar in medium bowl. Press onto bottom of ungreased 9-inch springform pan. Set aside. Combine orange juice and water in 2-quart saucepan; sprinkle with gelatin. Let stand 5 minutes to soften. Add sugar, eggs and orange peel. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture just comes to a boil (7 to 8 minutes). (DO NOT BOIL.) Set aside. Combine 1/2 cup butter and cream cheese in large mixer bowl. Beat at medium speed, gradually adding hot orange mixture and scraping bowl often, until well mixed (1 to 2 minutes). Refrigerate, stirring occasionally, until cool (about 45 minutes). Beat 1/2 cup chilled whipping cream in chilled small mixer bowl at high speed, scraping bowl often, until stiff peaks form (3 to 4 minutes). Gently stir into orange mixture. Pour into prepared crust. Cover; refrigerate until firm (3 to 4 hours). Loosen sides of cheesecake from pan by running knife around inside of pan. Garnish top of cheesecake with whipped cream, orange slices and mint leaves, if desired. Store refrigerated.

8:34 AM - Aug. 12, 2005