Deluxe Cheesecake

Step 1

Make the crust: Heat oven to 400 degrees. Combine the flour, sugar and lemon zest. Cut in the butter until mixture is crumbly. Add the egg yolk and vanilla. Mix.

Step 2

Pat a third of the dough over the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with sides removed. Bake about 6 minutes, or until golden. Cool.

Step 3

Butter the sides of the pan and attach to the bottom. Pat remaining dough around the sides to a height of 2 inches.

Step 4

Increase the oven heat to 475 degrees.

Step 5

Prepare the filling: Beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add vanilla and lemon zest.

Step 6

In a separate bowl, combine sugar, flour and salt. Gradually blend into cheese mixture. Beat in eggs and egg yolks, one at a time, and the cream. Beat well.

Step 7

Pour mixture into prepared pan. Bake 8 to 10 minutes. Reduce the oven heat to 200 degrees. Bake 1 hour longer, or until set. Turn off oven heat and allow cake to remain 30 minutes in the oven with the door ajar. Cool on a rack. Chill at least 3 hours before serving. Adorn with fruit if you'd like.