(Family Features) - Have you ever tried out a new dish during a holiday meal only to be met with comments like, "This is good, but I was looking forward to the usual stuffing," or "Where's the corn pudding we always have?"
Some dishes are such a part of family tradition that they simply must be made or the holiday just isn't the same. Like pumpkin pie. Don't get me wrong - I love pumpkin pie! And I will always make one. But sometimes I get the itch to mix things up a little bit and bring some new version to the table. And this year, I have just the thing. In addition to the family's favorite pumpkin pie, I'm going to make a Pumpkin Toffee Cheesecake.
Not only will they get the traditional - and yummy - taste of pumpkin, but they'll get it combined with little bits of toffee and a scrumptious caramel topping. This cheesecake is perfect throughout the holiday season - and I'm hoping it will become a new tradition that everyone asks for!
How To Video: Avoiding Cracks in Cheesecake
Here are some tips to help your cheesecake turn out just right:
- For optimal blending, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature.
- Spray the bottom and sides of your springform pan with nonstick cooking spray before adding the crumb crust. If you want to remove the cheesecake from the base for serving, cut a sheet of parchment paper to fit.
- To get pretty slices, use a large, sharp chef's knife. Slice by cutting it straight through to the bottom - don't use a sawing motion. Rinse the knife off in hot water, dry, then cut another slice. Another great cutting idea - use unwaxed dental floss. Hold the ends of a long piece in both hands, then bring the floss straight down through the cheesecake.
You'll find more pumpkin dessert and pie recipes - and a helpful cheesecake video - at www.VeryBestBaking.com
Jenny Harper is Consumer Test Kitchen Project Manager for the Nestlé Test Kitchens and VeryBestBaking.com.