Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake - Low-Fat Recipe

Guest Author - Sandy Moyer

Use light or low-fat ingredients to make this guilt free version of fresh strawberry cheesecake.

3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 T. margarine, light or low-fat - melted
1 cup cottage cheese, fat-free or low-fat
2 pkgs. (8 oz. ea.) cream cheese, light or fat-free - softened
3 eggs
1/4 cup milk, skim or 1%
3/4 cup sugar
2 T. flour
1/2 tsp. grated lemon rind
1 tsp. vanilla
topping
1/3 cup sour cream, light or fat-free
1 T. milk, skim or 1%
2 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1-1/2 cups sliced fresh strawberries

Preparation -
Stir the graham cracker crumbs and melted margarine together. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9" springform cake pan; set aside. Blend the cottage cheese, cream cheese, eggs and milk together in a food processor or blender. Process until smooth and well blended. Add the sugar, flour, grated lemon rind and vanilla and process again until very well blended. Pour the mixture over the graham cracker mixture the springform pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 375º for 35 to 40 minutes or until the center of the cheesecake is set. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Run a thin knife around the outside of the cheesecake to release it from the sides or the pan. Cool on a wire rack for 30 more minutes, then remove the outside of the springform pan. Place the cheesecake, with the bottom of the springform pan under the cake, on a wire rack to cool completely. Place the cooled cake in the refrigerator and chill for 4 to 5 hours.

Topping Preparation -
Just before serving, mix the sour cream, milk, sugar and vanilla together in a bowl. Whisk until smooth well blended. Spread the mixture over the chilled cheesecake. Spoon the sliced strawberries on top.

Wilton 9-in. Nonstick Avanti Glass Bottom Springform Pan
Use this well made springform pan and the sides of your cheesecake won't break apart as you un-mold it. The bottom of the pan is made of glass which doubles as a serving piece. The springform pan is made of a commercial-weight construction that helps prevent warping and distributes heat evenly. Wilton's metal-safe, nonstick surface resists scratching, even from metal utensils. A lifetime limited warranty is included.