For cheesecake:
1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 16)
2 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
2 (8-ounce) packages plus 1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel (optional)
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
3 eggs
For strawberry glaze:
1 cup mashed fresh strawberries
1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/3 cup water
Directions:
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Stir together graham cracker crumbs and 2 tablespoons sugar. Mix in butter thoroughly. Press mixture evenly in bottom of 9-inch spring-form pan. (I use a glass baking dish.) Bake 10 minutes; cool. Reduce oven temperature to 300 degrees.
Beat cream cheese in large mixer bowl. Gradually add 1 cup sugar, beating until fluffy. Add lemon peel and vanilla. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time. Pour over crumb mixture. Bake 1 hour or until center is firm. Cool to room temperature. Spread with sour cream or glaze. Chill at least 3 hours. Makes 12 servings.
For strawberry glaze, Mash enough fresh strawberries to measure 1 cup. Blend sugar and cornstarch in small sauce pan. Stir in water and the strawberries. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils. Boil and stir 1 minute. Cool thoroughly before spreading on top of cheesecake.
Note:
You can use canned cherry topping or frozen strawberries instead of fresh and also make extra for more topping. This recipe works best in a glass dish that is at least 9 by 13.
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