CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - On WBTV News Saturday Morning, culinary expert Heidi Billotto shared her recipe for a cheesecake tart with strawberries. Here is the recipe:
ITALIAN CHEESECAKE TART
Recipe by Charlotte Culinary Expert, Heidi Billotto
hlnc@carolina.rr.com
Crust:
Ready made refrigerated dough for a 9-inch pie
1 (8-10 inch) false bottom tart pan
Filling:
2 (8oz) pkgs. cream cheese
2 local eggs
2 Tbsp. Homemade vanilla ( made with one pint of vodka and 2 split vanilla beans)
1/4 cup sugar
2-3 cups Fresh local strawberries, cut in half and tossed in - a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or fig or berry vincotto, 1'4 cup sugar and about 1 Tbsp. of black pepper
For the crust, unroll package crust and roll out slightly larger to fit the bottom and sides of pan. Fold the pasty in half and then in half again to easily transfer to the pan and then unfold to fit, using your fingertips or knuckles to press the dough gently into the corners of the pan. Use a rolling pin to cut the top of the crust for a nice finish. Reserve.
Meanwhile, Combine the cream cheese. egg, sugar and vanilla in the bowl of a food processor and blend until smooth. Pour this filling mixture in the pan over the prepared crust. Place the pan on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 45 minutes. Remove from oven, Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate 4-6 hours till cold and firm. Top with fresh sliced fruit to serve.
Copyright 2012 WBTV. All rights reserved.
