Apple Cardamom Cheesecake

Chef mariajane's Note:

This is a spectacular cheesecake with a hidden surprise of glazed apples accented with cardamom. So very tasty!!

• Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
• Prep Time: 0 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs 10 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 12

CRUST

• 1 ½ cups graham wafer crumbs
• 1⁄3; cup butter , melted
• ¼ cup sugar
• ¾ teaspoon cardamom , ground

GLAZED APPLES

• 4 medium apples , peeled and cored (about 2 lbs)
• ¼ cup sugar
• ¼ cup butter
• ¾ teaspoon cardamom , ground

FILLING

• 2 (250 g) packages cream cheese , softened
• 2⁄3; cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon grated lemon peel
• 4 eggs

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F
2. CRUST: Mix all ingredients in medium bowl. Press firmly onto bottom and 1-inch up sides of 9-inch springform pan; set aside.
3. GLAZED APPLES: Cut apples into thin slices (about 1/4-inch thick). Add remaining ingredients to apples in large skillet. Cook on medium heat 5-10 minutes or until apples begin to caramelize, turning frequently. Arrange apples on bottom of crust.
4. FILLING: Beat cream cheese in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy. Gradually beat in sugar, vanilla and lemon peel. Add eggs, one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition just until blended. Spoon evenly over apples.
5. Bake 60-70 minutes or until center is almost set. Turn oven off and allow cheesecake to cool in oven 1 hour with door slightly ajar. Run small knife or metal spatula around rim of pan or loosen cheesecake. Cool in pan on wire rack. Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.