Red Pepper Cheesecake

Looking for a great appetizer to share with friends and family this holiday season? I just tried this new recipe last night and everyone at my gathering loved it! Do you have a favorite holiday recipe or tradition to share? Post it here!

Red Pepper Cheesecake
Courtesy of Giada De Laurentiis
Serves 4 to 6 people

Ingredients
1/2 cup ricotta cheese (4 ounces)
1/2 cup cream cheese (4 ounces)
1/4 cup goat cheese (2 ounces)
1 tablespoon sugar
1 egg
Pinch of kosher salt
1/2 cup thin strips of roasted red bell peppers
4 pitas
2 tablespoons olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup apricot jam
1 to 2 teaspoons hot water

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Wrap the outside of a 4.5 inch cheesecake pan with two layers of heavy-duty foil. Place the ricotta, cream cheese and goat cheese in a food processor. Pulse to mix. Add the sugar, egg and salt and pulse a few times until well mixed. Stir in the red pepper strips.

Pour the cheese mixture into the cheesecake pan. Place the cheesecake pan in a roasting pan. Pour enough hot water in the roasting pan to come halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan. Bake until the cheesecake is golden at the edges and the center of the cake moves slightly when the pan is gently shaken, about 45 minutes (the cake will become firm when it is cold).

Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool for one hour. Refrigerate until the cheesecake is cold, at least three hours and up to two days.

To make the pita chips, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Cut the pitas into eight triangles each (like a pie). drizzle the pita with olive oil, and sprinkle it with salt and pepper. Bake until crisp and golden, about 12 to 15 minutes.

To serve, combine the jam and the water in a small bowl and stir until the jam is liquefied. Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. Place on a serving plate. Drizzle the jam mixture over the top of the cheesecake. Serve with the pita chips alongside.

Are You Reading Water for Elephants?

The book selection for our February Bookies event is Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. We'll meet to discuss the book and other fun topics on February 27, 2010 at Mary Enwall's home. If you're interested in more details, or to RSVP, please email us at denveraoiialums@yahoo.com. Happy reading!

Eggs and AOIIs

Looking for something to do in the new year? Join your sisters for brunch! We'll meet at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 9, 2010 at Steuben's (523 East 17th Avenue, Denver). Please RSVP to denveraoiialums@yahoo.com.