Classic American Cheesecake

This recipe was adopted from a former member ( mean chef) who no longer frequents zaar. its a delicious recipe that i am delighted to have inherited.

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Brush a 9-inch springform pan generously with melted butter.

For crust: melt butter , stir in cookie crumbs and sugar.

Press the mixture into the bottom of the pan , spreading evenly with the back of a spoon.

Bake until lightly toasted- about 13-15 minutes.

Remove from oven and cool.

For the cheesecake: in an electric mixer with a paddle attachment , beat cream cheese on low speed until soft and smooth.

Add sugar , vanilla and salt and continue beating until light and creamy- 3-4 minutes.

Add eggs one at a time , beating until smooth and scraping down the sides after each addition.

Stir in zest.

Pour batter into springform pan and bake until done - 1-1 1 / 2 hours.

Turn oven off and leave door slightly open for 1 hour.

Transfer to refrigerator and chill overnight.

Remove sides of springform and cake on pan base.

cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, salt, eggs, lemon, zest of, unsalted butter, cookie crumbs, butter