Satsuma Orange Cheesecake

This is by far my favorite cheesecake! Not too sweet, not too heavy and amazingly delicious. The orange and cream cheese combine into a complex orange cream flavor. I took this recipe one step beyond by making homemade whipped cream (with just a bit of sweetness) to dollop on the top. While not needed it is an awesome addition. I would not recommend store bought whipped cream as it would be too sweet for this cheesecake and overwhelm the delicate flavors.

Crust:

1 cup flour

1/4 tsp baking powder

1/8 tsp salt

3 TBS sugar

3 1/2 TBS butter, softened

1 large egg yolk

Filling:

12 oz. reduced fat cream cheese, softened

8 oz. full fat cream cheese, softened

3/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup reduced fat sour cream

2 TBS grated satsuma orange rind

1/4 cup fresh satsuma orange juice

4 large eggs

1. Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees

2. To prepare crust, lightly coat bottom of springform pan with butter.

3. Weigh or lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup, level with a knife. Sift together flour, baking powder and salt.

Combine 3 TBS sugar and butter in a food processor, process until light and fluffy. Add egg yolk, process until smooth.

Add flour mixture to food processor, process until just combined.

Firmly press mixture into bottom of springform pan. Bake at 325 for 25 minutes until lightly browned. Cool 10 minutes on a wire rack.

4. Combine cream cheeses in a food processor, process 30 seconds until smooth. Add 3/4 cup sugar, process 30 seconds. Add sour cream, rind and juice; process 30 seconds. Add eggs 1 at a time, processing well after each addition. Scrape down sides of bowl, process 10 seconds.

Pour mixture into prepared crust.

Place pan in large baking pan. Add hot water to baking pan to a depth of 1 inch to form a water bath. Bake at 325 degrees for 50 - 60 minutes until cheese cake center barely moves when touched. Turn off oven, let stand 30 minutes before removing. Remove cheesecake from oven and water bath. Run a knife around the outside edge. Cool to room temperature. Cover and chill.

* optional whipped cream topping can be added just before serving.