Strawberry cheesecake

in sean

Paul Rankin layers citrusy crushed biscuits, stewed strawberries and cheesecake in this easy yet dramatic dessert.

Ingredients

For the biscuit layer

• 150g/5¼oz crushed digestive biscuits
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 2 tbsp caster sugar
• ½ tbsp freshly grated lemon zest, very finely chopped
• 6 tbsp orange juice or juice from the strawberries

For the strawberry layer

• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp water
• 2 tsp cornflour, dissolved in a little cold water or orange juice
• 100g/4oz caster sugar
• 1kg/2lb 3¼oz strawberries, cleaned and sliced

For the cheesecake layer

• 2 sheets gelatine
• 1-2 tbsp of lemon juice
• 350g/12¼oz cream cheese
• 225g/8oz caster sugar
• 300g/10½oz thick Greek-style yoghurt
• 1 tbsp of vanilla extract

To serve

• whipped cream
• sprigs of mint

Preparation method

1. For the biscuit layer, mix all the biscuit ingredients together and reserve.
2. For the strawberry layer, place the lemon juice and water into a small saucepan and mix in the cornflour well.
3. Bring to the boil and when the cornflour is dissolved, mix in the sugar and the strawberries.
4. Heat gently to dissolve the sugar. Remove from the heat, and allow to cool and thicken.
5. For the cheesecake mixture, soften the gelatine in the lemon juice and a spoonful of water if needed, for 3-5 minutes.
6. Heat the mixture gently over a low heat in a small saucepan until the gelatine is completely dissolved.
7. Meanwhile whisk the cream cheese and the sugar in a mixer or blender on medium speed.
8. When the sugar is dissolved turn down the speed and add the yoghurt and the gelatine.
9. When the mixture is blended together add the vanilla extract.
10. To assemble, place the biscuit layer into the base of six wine glasses, add a good dollop of cheesecake mixture, then add some strawberries. Chill the mixture for a few hours and top with whipped cream and a sprig of mint. Serve immediately.