Cherry Walnut Cheesecake

Crunchy walnuts, smooth lemon cheesecake and sweet cherries makes an ideal cheesecake for any occasion. Cheesecake is a typical Sabbath dessert in Israel and is served at Shavut: a Jewish Festival celebrating The Ten Commandments that were given to Moses on Mount Sinai.

Crust

    2 cups crushed graham crackers
    ⅓ cup finely chopped walnuts
    ½ cup butter, melted
    2 tablespoons dark brown sugar

Cheesecake

    3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
    ¾ cup granulated sugar
    3 large eggs
    1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    2 tablespoons fat-free milk
    1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
    1 teaspoon lemon zest

    1 can cherry pie filling


1.  Crust: In a medium bowl, mix the graham crumbs, walnuts,     
     butter and brown sugar. Press into the base and up against the
     sides of a 13 x 9 x 2-inch glass baking dish.
 
2.  Cheesecake: In a large bowl, use mixer to beat cream cheese        
     and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla, milk, lemon juice
     and zest. Beat for 1 minute, then pour into a prepared baking        
     dish. Bake in a preheated 350° oven for 40 minutes.

3.  Remove from oven and cool completely in refrigerator.

4.  Serve squares with cherry filling.

    Makes 8 servings