New Year's Recipes -Part Two

Chocolate Cheesecake

This is the best cheesecake, even my Grandpa who didn't liked chocolate like my cheesecake  :)

crust: 11/4 c graham cracker crumbs
           1/3 c butter/margarine, melted
           1/4 c white sugar
Mix and press into the bottom and sides of a 10 inch springform pan.  Bake 350F for 10 minutes.  Cool completely.

cake:
500g cream cheese, at room temperature
1 c white sugar
1/4 c cold water
6 oz semi-sweet chocolate
1 envelope gelatin powder
1 c whipping cream, whipped

I usually whip the cream first, in my Kitchenaid stand mixer.  I then put it in the fridge till later.  Beat the cheese until smooth.  Add sugar and melted chocolate melt chocolate very carefully and stop before you think it's done, burnt chocolate will ruin everything!  Sprinkle gelatin powder over cold water in small saucepan.  Let stand 5 min.  Stir over low heat to dissolve.  Blend into cheese mixture.  Fold gently into whipped cream.  Pour into prepared pan and chill for at least 3 hours, I usually do it overnight.  Don't be tempted to cut the pieces too big, it is a fairly rich cheesecake.

Vegetable Gratin

you can use just about any vegetable.  I used a mixture of broccoli, cauliflower and carrot.  I thawed the bag first, but didn't cook them.  If using fresh vegetables, cook al dente  first.

Bechamel Sauce:  don't panic it's easy
2 T butter
3 T flour
2 c hot milk
salt and pepper and a pinch of nutmeg

Melt butter in saucepan.  Add flour and seasonings and cook over medium heat, stirring, for about 2 minutes.  Remove from heat and pour in milk.  Whisk all together.  Bring to a boil, whisking continually.  Stir until medium thick.

Gratin:
fold 1/3 cup cheese (I used cheddar) into bechemel sauce.  Don't be tempted to add a lot extra or it could look oily after baking.

Spread a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of a greased, shallow baking dish.  Arrange about 3 cups of vegetables over sauce.  Spoon over remaining sauce and sprinkle another 1/4 cup of cheese.
Bake 425F for 20-25 minutes, serves 5-6