FRESH PINEAPPLE TOPPING FOR CHEESECAKE RECIPES

Steps:

• Peel and cut the pineapple into 1-inch chunks; discard the fibrous core and outer peel.
• Add all ingredients into a medium-sized pot and bring to a boil. Do not cover.
• Reduce heat simmer over LOW heat. Simmer for about 30 minutes or until the pineapple is tender and most of the liquid has evaporated; Stirring occasionally. Do not Cover.
• Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly.
• With an immersion blender or potato masher, crush the fruit to small bite-sized (or smaller) pieces.
• The natural sugars in the fruit will thicken the jam.
• Storage:

Steps:

• Crust- Preheat oven to 375. Put half of the box of Graham crackers into the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Pulse until finely ground. Measure out 1½ cups into a medium sized bowl.
• Stir together the crumbs and the sugar, and then evenly pour the melted butter into the mixture. Stir using a fork until everything is evenly blended.
• Pour crust mixture into a 9 inch springform pan. Press it evenly around the bottom and and inch up the sides until an even layer is formed. (I used the bottom of a cup for this) Set aside.
• Filling: In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and sugar together on medium to medium-high speed. Once fully combined, add the vanilla and one egg. Blend until smooth and fully incorporated. Scrape the bowl down from time to time to ensure everything is being mixed together. Add the remaining eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly each time. (Don't mix on high speed - this will incorporate too much air into the batter and the cheesecake won't be as dense once it bakes.)
• Pour mixture over the crust. Gently tap the pan to encourage any air bubbles to rise to the surface.
• Place the cheesecake into a preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the center no longer jiggles when gently shaken. Once the first layer has baked, let it cool for at approximately 15 minutes. Increase the oven temperature to 450° F.
• While the cheesecake is cooling, whisk the sour cream, sugar and vanilla together until smooth. Once the cheesecake has cooled for approximately 15 minutes, pour the sour cream topping over top. Using a rubber spatula or offset spatula, smooth out the surface.
• Place back into the oven (remember the heat should have been increased to 450° F) and bake for about 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack to let cool to room temperature.
• Refrigerate the cheesecake overnight to set. *Don't put cheesecake in the fridge until it has cooled to room temperature.