Egg Nog Cheesecake

Two of my favorite holiday treats... egg nog and cheesecake (well okay I love cheesecake year round). Why have I never before thought to combine them?!? I found this recipe online around Christmas time and it was delicious!!

Crust:

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

2 tablespoons sugar

3 tablespoons butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling:

3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened

1 cup sugar

3 tablespoons flour

2 eggs, lightly beaten

3/4 cup egg nog

1/2 teaspoon rum extract

dash ground nutmeg

Directions:

Grease a 9-inch springform pan and place 2 layers of aluminum foil around the outside base. Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter and press into the bottom of the pan. Place on a baking sheet and bake at 325 for 10 minutes. Allow to cool on wire rack while you make the filling.

In large bowl beat cream cheese, sugar, and flour until smooth. Add eggs and beat on low speed until just combined. Gradually stir in the egg nog, rum extract, and nutmeg. Pour filling over the crust.

Place the foil-wrapped pan on a deep baking sheet and add 1 inch of hot water to surround it (this prevents it from burning). Bake at 325 for 60 minutes (I had to bake it longer, more like 75 minutes or so because it took awhile to set up). When done, remove from water bath and allow to cool on wire rack for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen, then cool for an hour longer. When no longer warm, stick in the refrigerator to cool overnight.

I sprinkled some leftover crumbs and a little nutmeg on top as a garnish.

I served this at my parents' traditional Christmas Eve lasagna dinner. My brother added caramel and chocolate sauce to his, I liked mine plain with a little whipped cream. Either way - the perfect Christmas Eve dessert!