Smoked Gouda & Chive Cheesecake with Strawberry Filling and Sundried Tomato Pesto Topping

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Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups crushed crackers
• 1/2 cup smoked Gouda cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup chopped chives
• 6 oz Norman's Kosher Cholov Yisroel Cream Cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and mashed
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup sundried tomato pesto

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix the crushed crackers, smoked Gouda cheese, and chives together.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
4. In a separate bowl, beat the softened Norman's Kosher Cholov Yisroel Cream Cheese with the sugar until smooth.
5. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
6. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust and bake for 35 to 40 minutes.
7. While the cheesecake is baking, make the strawberry filling by combining the mashed strawberries, cornstarch, sugar, and water in a saucepan.
8. Stirring continuously, cook the mixture over medium heat until it thickens and comes to a boil.
9. Remove from heat and let cool.
10. Once the cheesecake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool.
11. Spread the cooled strawberry filling over the cheesecake.
12. Spread the sundried tomato pesto over the top of the cheesecake.
13. Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.