Smoked Gouda & Chive Cheesecake with Whipped Cream Topping

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups of crushed pretzels
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup of shredded Smoked Gouda cheese
• 2 tablespoons of finely chopped chives
• 2 containers of Norman's Kosher Cholov Yisroel Cream Cheese (8 oz each), softened
• 3/4 cup of granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream
• 1/2 cup of whipped cream
• Extra chives and Smoked Gouda cheese for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F.
2. In a small bowl, combine crushed pretzels, melted butter, shredded Smoked Gouda cheese, and finely chopped chives. Mix well.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan.
4. Bake the crust for 15 minutes and then remove it from the oven and allow it to cool.
5. In a mixing bowl, beat the Norman's Kosher Cholov Yisroel Cream Cheese containers together with the sugar until creamy.
6. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
7. Stir in the vanilla extract and heavy cream.
8. Pour the mixture into the cooled crust and bake for about 45 minutes or until the cheesecake is set around the edges and slightly jiggly in the center.
9. With the oven off, crack open the door slightly and let the cheesecake sit in the oven for about 15-20 minutes to cool down gradually.
10. Remove from the oven and let the cheesecake cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
11. When ready to serve, spread the whipped cream on top of the cheesecake and sprinkle with extra chives and grated Smoked Gouda cheese.