Since Valentines Day is right around the corner I've decided to go a little sweet on all of you. Even if you don't have a "sweetheart" this year you can share this recipe with your friends and family who will, after trying this delectable cheesecake, sing your praises until next February. In my opinion, a recipe like this should used for a special occasion due to the fact that it is a fairly rich dessert. However, life needs some indulgences from time to time and this cheesecake is sure to hit the spot! .
My goal was to create dessert that most people can enjoy even if they have some dietary restrictions. This cheesecake is gluten free and has goat cheese and goat yogurt so that it's easier for your body to digest due to the lower lactose content. It's sweetened with honey instead of sugar so that you won't have such a large spike in your blood sugar levels. The ingredients are simple and delicious! The crust contains crushed almonds making a nice contrast to the creamy filling. It is sweet and slightly tart with a hints of vanilla and cinnamon leaving a truly divine flavor on your palate.
Cook and prep time: 1 1/2 hours
Chill time: 6 hours
Makes one 9" cheesecake
Preheat oven to 325 degrees
Crust:
1 cup almonds
1 cup gluten free flour: I like to use Bob's Red Mill all purpose gluten free mix because of it's coarser texture and earthy flavor, but any gluten free flour will do.
1/4 cup butter, cubed cold
1 tablespoon vanilla
2 tablespoons honey
Filling:
1 1/2 cup chevre goat cheese
1 1/2 cup plain goat yogurt
4 eggs
1/2 cup honey
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Begin by putting the almonds, flour, butter, vanilla and honey into your food processor or blender. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly chopped together making an almost dough like consistency. Since the honey and butter can sometimes stick to the edges,take time to stop the appliance to scrape the sides and then continue to blend the ingredients.
Once you have finished, scoop the contents into your cheesecake pan. Spread evenly on the bottom of the dish and press down to firmly pack the mixture, using a small flat bottomed glass if needed.
Next, clean and wipe out your food processor so that it's ready to make the filling. Put in the goat cheese, goat yogurt, eggs, honey, vanilla, and cinnamon. Blend until mixture is completely smooth. Pour the filling over the packed crust. Place cheesecake pan onto a cookie sheet and bake in a 325 degree oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour. The Cheesecake is done once the filling is slightly browned the edges and center and firm to the touch.
Allow to completely cool on the stove top and then move to the refrigerator to let it set for several hours. Cheesecakes have a much more desirable texture when they are cold and fully set. You can garnish each slice with a drizzle of yogurt and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Enjoy!
