Tis the Season: Crafting a Festive Dessert with Our Irresistible Peppermint Cheesecake

As the holiday season unfolds, what better way to captivate your taste buds and spread cheer than with a luscious peppermint cheesecake? This delightful dessert not only combines the velvety richness of classic cheesecake but also infuses the refreshing essence of peppermint, creating a festive masterpiece that's sure to be the highlight of your celebrations. Let's embark on this culinary journey together with a step-by-step guide to crafting your very own Peppermint Cheesecake.

Ingredients:

For the crust:

25 Oreo Cookies, crushed

4 Tablespoons butter, melted

 Pinch of salt

For the cheesecake:

4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened

8 ounces sour cream

1 1/2 cup granulated sugar

5 large eggs

2 vanilla beans, scraped

2 teaspoons peppermint extract

½ cup crushed peppermint candies

1 cup mini chocolate chips

For the ganache:

15 ounces dark chocolate, coarsely chopped

1 ¼ cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 teaspoons peppermint extract

Instructions:

For the crust:

1. In a bowl, mix oreo crumbs, melted butter, and salt.  Stir until thoroughly mixed.

2. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9 inch springform pan sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. 

3. Bake, in a preheated oven, at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.  Cool completely.

For the cheesecake:

1. In large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until fully combined.  Add sour cream and blend well.

2. Add eggs, mixing after each addition.

3. Mix in vanilla beans and peppermint extract and mix for about 30 seconds.

4. Fold in crushed peppermints and chocolate chips.

5. Pour over cooled crust.

6. Wrap the outside surface of the springform pan in aluminum foil.  Pour batter over cooled crust.  Place on a cookie sheet with a lip; fill 2/3 of the way up with water.

7. Bake, in a preheated oven, at 350 degrees for 1 hour and 20 minutes or until done.  Turn off oven and allow the cheesecake to cool 2 hours in oven before moving.

8. Refrigerate overnight.

For the ganache:

1. Place chocolate pieces in a large glass bowl and set aside.

2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, bring cream to a simmer (but not a boil).

3. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract and peppermint extract.  Pour over chocolate pieces and let sit for 5 minutes.

4. After sitting, stir until smooth and chocolate is melted, being sure to scrape the sides of the bowl.  As the mixture cools, it will set up. 

5. Remove sides from springform pan.  Spread ganache over cheesecake (you can warm it up in the microwave a bit to make it “pourable” and easier to spread).

6. Garnish with crushed peppermint candies and freshly whipped cream.

Crafting a Peppermint Cheesecake is not just a culinary adventure; it's a journey into the heart of festive indulgence. Share the love by gifting slices to friends and family, or revel in the satisfaction of creating a show-stopping dessert for your holiday gatherings. May your season be sweet, and your Peppermint Cheesecake even sweeter!