White Chocolate Cranberry Cheesecake

I was looking for a hostess gift for my hubby's supervisor, who throws an annual Christmas party at her home for all the managers from work. In previous years, we usually brought a good wine or something similar. I didn't want to bring the same thing again this year. I thought about it for a few weeks and had no idea what to bring. Then I saw this recipe in one of the emails I get from Paula Deen's site. Perfect! It was a breeze to make. I even made it a few weeks ahead of time and froze it. It worked out great and I wasn't pressured to make it the day before the party. I wish I could tell you what it tastes like, but I made the hostess promise not to share it if she didn't want to. She had a piece, though, before the party was over and gave it rave reviews. Whew! Now maybe I gave the hubby a better chance for a raise at work :)

White Chocolate Cranberry Cheesecake

1 (16 oz) can whole berry cranberry sauce

2 cups graham cracker crumbs

1/4 cup sugar

6 tablespoons butter, melted

3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened

1 cup sugar

3 large eggs

1 (4 oz) bar white chocolate, melted and cooled slightly (I used good quality white chocolate chips, melted)

2 cups fresh cranberries (optional)

1/4 cup cranberry preserves, melted (optional) (I could not find cranberry preserves so I used strawberry)

In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, cook cranberry sauce for 35 minutes, stirring frequently until reduced to 1 cup. Cover and chill 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar and melted butter. Press firmly on bottom and 1 inch up sides of a 9 inch springform pan. Bake for 8 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine cream cheese and sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in melted white chocolate.

Spoon 1/2 of batter into prepared pan. Spread reduced cranberry sauce over batter. Top with remaining batter. Bake 45 minutes or until almost set. Let cool completely on a wire rack. Chill 8 hours before serving. Can be frozen for up to 1 month. To serve, garish with fresh cranberries and brush with melted preserves, if desired.

"What I don't like about office Christmas parties is looking for a job the next day."
-Phyllis Diller