Benjamin's (Almost) Famous Cheesecake

One of Benjamin's specialties, a fact which we all appreciate very much!

CRUST

1 cup flour

¼ cup sugar

½ cup butter or margarine

1 egg yolk

½ tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 400°F.  Combine flour and sugar.  Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly.  Add beaten yolk and vanilla and stir well with fingers.  Using 1/3 of mixture, line bottom of an 8” spring-form pan (remove sides).  Bake until crust is golden brown, about 8 – 10 minutes.  Remove and reduce oven temperature to 375°F.  Butter sides of pan (Important!) and assemble pan.  Using balance of the mixture, line sides of pan.  Set aside.

FILLING

1 ½ lb cream cheese, at room temperature (750 g)

1 cup sugar

1 ½ Tbsp flour

¼ tsp salt

½ tsp vanilla

4 eggs

¼ whipping cream

In mixing bowl, cream cheese well.  Add sugar, flour, salt, vanilla and beat at medium speed until well blended.  Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Fold in cream.  Pour into crust and bake at 375°F until center is cooked.  Remove from oven and cool on rack.  Remove sides of pan and chill in fridge a few hours or overnight. 

Top with any of a variety of fruit or berry toppings, or enjoy as is.  Makes 12 – 16 moderate slices.