Smoked Gouda & Chive Cheesecake with Cookies & Cream Filling and Balsamic Glaze Topping

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Ingredients:

• 12 oz smoked gouda cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup chopped chives
• 8 oz Norman's Kosher Cholov Yisroel Cream Cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 cups crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (about 20 cookies)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix the shredded smoked gouda cheese and chopped chives until combined. Press the cheese mixture onto the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.
3. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened Norman's Kosher Cholov Yisroel Cream Cheese and sugar with an electric mixer at medium speed until creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and heavy cream until smooth.
4. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the baked smoked gouda & chive crust. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for 1 hour.
5. In a medium bowl, mix together the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and melted butter. Press the mixture onto the top of the cooled cheesecake. Cover the cheesecake and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight.
6. In a small saucepan, bring the balsamic vinegar, honey, and salt to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the mixture is thick and syrupy. Remove from heat and let cool.
7. Drizzle the cooled balsamic glaze over the top of the cookies & cream filling. Serve chilled.