EASY MINI CHEESECAKES

Picky-picky husband has decided he loves cheesecake. Not just any cheesecake (that's part of his picky-picky-ness), but he loves miniature cheesecakes. I think it is because he can just snag one out of the fridge without plate or utensils.

This recipe for mini-cheesecakes is extremely quick and easy and since you can use any flavor of jam, it is quite versatile. If you don't want to add the jam, just leave it out!!

CRUST
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons butter, melted

Mix these three items until everything is moist and crumbly.
Place paper cupcake liners in cupcake pan (recipe makes 24 miniature cheesecakes).  Place a scant tablespoon of the crumbs in the bottom of each paper liner and tamp down a little.

CHEESECAKE FILLING

(3) 8 ounce packages of cream cheese (room temperature)
3/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 eggs

Beat the softened cream cheese for 2 minutes; it should be very creamy. Add the sugar and vanilla and beat for about 30 seconds.

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well (on low) in between each egg.

If you are going to use jam in these cheesecakes (it is completely optional), put a rounded tablespoon of cheesecake batter on top of each graham cracker crust. Swirl a little of your favorite jam over the batter, like this:

Top this with another heaping tablespoon of cheesecake filling and then put another swirl of jam on the top surface.

Bake at 325°F for 25-30 minutes (my electric oven takes 25 minutes).

Leave the baked cheesecakes in the pan and cool to room temperature. After they are at room temperature, put them in the fridge to chill for at least a couple hours before serving.

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