- Stand Mixer: Essential for mixing ingredients efficiently, particularly beneficial for dense cheesecakes and intricate doughs.
- Springform Pan: A flexible, bottom-opening pan that makes it easy to remove the cake without damaging its structure.
- Silicone Baking Mat: Provides an even baking surface when using non-stick pans or parchment paper.
- Food Processor: Useful for chopping nuts, blending ingredients smoothly, and other prep work required in recipes.
- High-Speed Blender: Great for incorporating chocolate into a fine consistency, especially helpful if you're making your own hazelnut spread or butter.
- Digital Scale with Tare Function: Precision is key when measuring ingredients for baking; this tool helps ensure accuracy.
- Pie Dish (as an alternative to a springform pan): A versatile alternative if one isn't available, though it might require additional greasing or lining.
- Cake Release Spray: Helps in easy release of the cheesecake from its pan without sticking.
- Chef's Knife & Cutting Board: Necessary for prepping ingredients like nuts and chocolate, as well as any other vegetables or fruit components.
- Oven Thermometer: Ensures that your oven temperature is accurate, which is crucial for baking success.
- Pastry Brush & Rolling Pin (for decorative elements): Useful if the recipe calls for decorative elements like chocolate drizzle and brushing with an egg wash.
1/4 pound wheatmeal crackers finely crushed (about 1 cup)
1 ounce fine-quality bittersweet chocolate (no more than 60% cacao if marked), grated
1/2 stick unsalted butter, melted
1/2 pound fine-quality bittersweet chocolate (no more than 60% cacao if marked), chopped
1 stick unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 pound 2 ounce cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2/3 cup superfine granulated sugar
1 cup hazelnuts (4 1/2 ounces), toasted loose skins rubbed off in a kitchen towel while still warm, and nuts chopped
Equipment: a 10-inch springform pan
Accompaniment: lightly sweetened whipped cream
I publish delicious recipes that most of the times required 10 ingredients or less and 30 minutes or less to prepare.
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