DRY JACK RECIPES

Steps:

• For crust, stir together cracker crumbs, the 5 tablespoons Parmesan cheese and melted butter. Sprinkle three-fourths of crumb mixture into a buttered 9-inch springform pan. Press crumb mixture around sides of pan, then onto bottom of pan. Chill. Refrigerate remaining crumbs until ready to use.
• Beat cream cheese, eggs, and whipping cream in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed about 5 minutes until smooth. Stir in dry Jack or Parmesan cheese, Gruyere cheese, chives, and peppercorns with a rubber spatula until smooth. Pour mixture into prepared crust, spreading evenly. Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture over top.
• Set springform pan on a cookie sheet. Bake in a 300 degree F oven for 1-1/2 hours. Reduce temperature to 200 degrees F and bake 30 minutes more. Turn off oven; leave cheesecake in oven for 30 minutes. Remove to wire rack and cool in pan for 20 minutes. Release cheesecake from springform pan.

Steps:

• Melt 2 tablespoons butter in heavy medium skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until brown, about 7 minutes. Add pear and sauté 3 minutes. Transfer pear mixture to medium bowl. Cool slightly. Stir in cheese, mustard and salt.
• Melt remaining 4 tablespoons butter in small saucepan over medium heat. Place 1 phyllo sheet on work surface. (Cover remaining phyllo with plastic wrap and damp kitchen towel.) Brush with melted butter. Top with second phyllo sheet. Brush with melted butter. Arrange half of pear mixture in log along 1 short end of phyllo, leaving 1-inch border at each end of pear mixture. Fold in sides and roll up tightly into log. Brush all over with butter. Transfer to large baking sheet. Repeat with remaining phyllo, butter, and pear mixture. (Strudels can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake strudels until golden brown, about 18 minutes. Cool 5 minutes. Transfer 1 strudel to cutting board. Cut on diagonal into 12 pieces. Repeat with remaining strudel. Transfer to platter and serve.