(Image by Jlisska on Pixabay)
Shavuot is one of those holidays that never gets the attention it deserves. It is one of the 3 pilgrimage holidays in the Torah – a really BIG deal. But to be honest there are not many practices that are connected with it. One that is so easy to embrace is the eating of dairy foods. Why dairy foods? I’m so glad you asked. Here is My Jewish Learning’s explanation and here is Chabad’s discussion of it.
I have a wonderful cheesecake recipe that has become a staple at my home. Give it a try!
Cheesecake
Crumb crust:
1 c. crushed graham crackers
4 Tbsp. melted butter
4 Tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
Blend ingredients together. Reserve 1/4 cup for top and press remaining crumbs into a greased 9 inch pie pan.
Filling:
16 oz. cream cheese
16 oz. cottage cheese
1 1/2 c. sugar
4 eggs
6 Tbsp. cornstarch
1 1/2 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. grated lemon rind
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. butter, melted
1 pint sour cream
Beat cheeses together until smooth. Gradually add sugar and eggs. Then add cornstarch, lemon and vanilla, stir. Add butter and sour cream and beat. Pour into pan over the crumb crust. Sprinkle with remaining crumbs.
Bake one hour and 10 minutes at 325 degrees F until edges are firm. Turn off the oven and let sit in the oven for 2 hours. Remove and cool.
You can also top this with sliced fruit.