Shelly's Recipe

DAIQUIRI CHEESECAKE WITH STRAWBERRY SAUCE

Category: Cheesecake

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
2 1/4 cups sugar, divided use
1/2 cup butter, melted
3 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese
1 (8 oz) container sour cream
3 large eggs
2 tsp grated lime rind
3 tbsp fresh lime juice, divided use
1/4 cup light rum, divided use
1 quart fresh strawberries, divided use
Garnish: strawberry leaves

Stir together cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup sugar, and butter; firmly press into bottom and halfway up sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake at 325 for 5 minutes.

Beat cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until fluffy. Add sour cream, eggs, lime rind, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 2 tbsp rum, beating just until blended. Pour into prepared pan.

Bake at 350 for 1 hour. Run a knife around edge to release sides from pan. Cool on a wire rack. Cover and chill 8 hours.

Cut 1 cup strawberries in half, and toss with 1/2 cup sugar; chill.

Combine remaining strawberries, remaining 1/4 cup sugar, remaining 1 tbsp lime juice, and remaining 2 tbsp rum in a small
saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring often; reduce heat, and simmer 8 to 10 minutes or until mixture reaches syrup consistency. Cool.

Process cooked strawberry mixture in a blender until smooth. Pour through a wire-mesh strainer into a bowl. Chill.

Serve strawberries and sauce over cheesecake. Garnish, if desired.