Cranberry Cheesecake

Cranberry Jam Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, add the cranberries and sugar and mix to combine.
2. Heat over medium heat until the berries are soft, and the mixture begins to thicken. About 8-10 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Set aside to cool.

Crust Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and prepare a 9” springform pan by spraying with non-stick spray and set aside. (For added protection, you can add a round of parchment paper along the bottom of the springform as well)
2. Prepare the crust by adding about 1 ½ packages graham crackers to a food processor and pulse until you get about 1 ½ cups of crumbs.
3. Add in brown sugar and melted butter and pulse until well combined.
4. Pour the crumbs into the prepared pan and gently press using the back of a spoon to form the crust. Be sure to bring the crumbs up about 1” up the sides.
5. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and allow to cool on a wire rack.

Filling Instructions:

1. Add the softened cream cheese to the bowl of a stand mixer equipped with a paddle attachment. Cream for 5-6 minutes or until light and fluffy. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl.
2. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the sugar and flour. Once the sugar is combined, increase to medium speed, and mix for an additional 1-2 minutes.
3. Add the vanilla extract and mix until just combined.
4. Slowly pour in the heavy whipping cream and mix on low speed until combined. Increase the mixer to high speed for about 1 minute.
5. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl and mix for an additional 30 seconds before moving on to the next step.
6. Reduce the mixer to low speed and add the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix after adding the eggs.
7. Pour half of the cranberry jam on top of the cooled crust and smooth.
8. Pour the prepared batter into the springform pan and gently tap to release any air bubbles.
9. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes. Then, without opening the oven door, reduce the heat to 200 and bake for an additional 50-55 minutes until the center slightly jiggles and the edges are set. (You are looking for a Jell-o consistency, not a runny/watery consistency. If the center still looks too watery, bake for an additional 5–10-minute checking often. However, the cheesecake will set up more while cooling, so keep that in mind.)
10. Turn off the oven and slightly crack the oven door to allow the cheesecake to cool for 15-20 minutes before removing.
11. Allow to cool on a wire rack until completely cooled and place in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours but overnight is recommended.
12. Once the cheesecake is set, add the remaining cranberry jam to the top of the cheesecake and smooth.
13. Top with additional whipped cream, sugar cranberries, and rosemary twigs for added color.
14. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
15. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.