Lavender Cheesecake

Lavender Cheesecake: A Fragrant Adventure in the World of Desserts

Desserts have a magical power to bring people together around the table, and lavender cheesecake is a recipe that combines tradition with innovation. This refined recipe, with a unique flavor, is perfect for celebrating any occasion or simply to add a special touch to summer evenings. Additionally, lavender is not just a beautiful plant; it brings a subtle floral taste that can transform a classic cheesecake into a true culinary masterpiece.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 90 minutes
Number of Servings: 8

Ingredients

For the Base:
- 300 g whole grain biscuits
- 100 g butter
- 50 g walnuts
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

For the Filling:
- 400 g cream cheese
- 200 g white chocolate
- 500 g cottage cheese
- 150 ml cream
- 100 g sugar
- 50 ml cream (for coloring)
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons dried lavender
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Purple food coloring (optional, to taste)

Step by Step Cooking

Step 1: Preparing the Base
1. Start by finely grinding the walnuts together with the whole grain biscuits. Use a food processor to achieve a uniform texture. Make sure there are no large pieces, as they will affect the texture of the base.
2. Add the cinnamon and melted butter over the biscuit and walnut mixture. Mix well. If the mixture is too dry, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to make it moister.
3. Line the bottom of a 26 cm diameter baking pan with this mixture, pressing well with the bottom of a glass. Avoid raising the biscuits on the edges to allow the lavender color of the cheesecake to stand out.
4. Place the pan in the fridge while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Preparing the Filling
1. Melt the white chocolate in a bain-marie or microwave. Be careful, as white chocolate burns easily, so make sure to stir it occasionally.
2. In a blender, mix the cottage cheese with 150 ml of cream until you obtain a smooth cream. This step is essential to avoid lumps in the cheesecake.
3. Transfer the cheese mixture to a large bowl and add the cream cheese, sugar, and melted white chocolate. Mix for 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing for a minute after each addition. Then, incorporate the lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lavender. Taste the mixture and adjust the amount of lavender according to your preference. If you prefer a more subtle flavor, you can reduce the amount to one tablespoon.
5. If you want to add a touch of color, use 50 ml of cream and mix it with the purple food coloring. Add this mixture to the cheesecake filling and mix well.

Step 3: Baking the Cheesecake
1. Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius. Pour the filling over the biscuit base and smooth the surface.
2. Bake the cheesecake for 60 minutes. In the last 15 minutes, reduce the temperature to 150 degrees to prevent the surface from cracking.
3. After baking, let the cheesecake cool completely in the oven with the door ajar. This will help avoid cracks.

Serving and Presentation

Once the cheesecake has cooled completely, you can decorate it with edible lavender flowers or a white chocolate glaze. Served with a glass of white wine or herbal tea, this cheesecake will surely be the star of your table.

Practical Tips
- Ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to facilitate mixing.
- Lavender: If you are not familiar with the taste of lavender, start with a smaller amount and adjust according to your preference.
- Food Coloring: Use it sparingly, so it does not affect the dessert's flavor. A drop can work wonders, but too much can lead to an artificial taste.

Nutritional Benefits
This cheesecake not only offers a delicious taste but also nutritional benefits. Cottage cheese is a good source of protein, and lavender has calming properties and can help reduce stress. Whole grain biscuits provide fiber, and walnuts are rich in healthy fatty acids.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I replace lavender with another ingredient?
Yes, you can opt for various flavors, such as vanilla or lemon zest, if you do not like lavender.
2. How can I store the cheesecake?
This cheesecake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure it is covered with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
3. Can I freeze the cheesecake?
Yes, the cheesecake can be frozen, but it is recommended to cut it into portions before placing it in the freezer.

Possible Variations
- Lavender and Lemon Cheesecake: You can add lemon zest for a fresher taste.
- Lavender and Berry Cheesecake: Serve it with a berry sauce for a note of acidity that will contrast beautifully with the sweetness of the cheesecake.

In conclusion, lavender cheesecake is a recipe that combines tradition with innovation, offering a unique tasting experience. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to delight any gourmet. Enjoy your meal!