Recipe for "PARTY CHEESECAKE"

(serves 12-16)

Shopping List:

Zweibach crackers*, 1 6oz Package
cream cheese: 3 packages (8oz each)
butter: 1/3 cup (< 1 stick)
sugar: 2 cups
vanilla: 2 tsp
sour cream: 2 cups (16oz container, or 2 8oz containers)
eggs: 4
salt: 1/8 tsp

CRUST

1: 6 oz pkg Zweibach crackers*, crushed finely
1/3 cup: butter
2 Tbsp: sugar

Combine and press into bottom and sides of a 9" springform pan; chill well.

* -- found in the baby food section -- they're meant for teething. But there's just no substitute! Trust me...

BODY

3: 8oz pkgs cream cheese
1 1/2 cups: sugar
1/8 tsp: salt

4: eggs
1 tsp: vanilla

Soften cheese in large bowl; blend in sugar; add salt; beat until fluffy; add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each; beat in vanilla; pour into crust; bake at 350 degrees fahrenheit for 50 minutes or until firm in center; let stand 15 minutes and then add TOPPING (instructions follow).

TOPPING

RESET OVEN TO 450F

2 cups: sour cream
1/4 cup: sugar
1 tsp: vanilla

Combine all of the above in small bowl. beat to mix. Spread over cake. Return to 450F oven; bake 10 min or until topping is just set. Cool on a rack. CHILL COMPLETELY BEFORE SERVING.