Holiday Cheesecake Torte

As if cheesecake isn't rich enough, sandwich it between two chocolate cake layers spread with apricot jam, and cover the entire dessert with a delicious buttercream frosting...with a hint of raspberry liqueur.  Sprinkle a few crushed pistachios on top; arrange a few marzipan kumquats and cranberries dipped in egg white and dusted with sugar, and I'll bet the cholesterol police will be at your door.  But, I guarantee they'll have a piece before carting you away to the land of sensible eating.

Merry Christmas! 

On Cheesecakes

It is very important to bring cream cheese and eggs to room temperature before mixing or you'll have a lumpy mess. Mix at low speed to prevent excess air from being incorporated into the batter, as that can be a cause of cracking. To bake evenly and promote creaminess, wrap the outside of the springform pan with a triple thickness of aluminum foil, then place the springform in a large roasting pan, and fill with hot water 1/3 up the side of the springform.