Ukrainian Modern Cheesecake (Modernyi Syrnyk)

• 2 cups sugar cookie crumbs
• 1/4 cup grated almonds
• 4 tbsp. butter
• 1 lemon, zest of
• 1-1/2 lb. cream cheese
• 1 cup sugar
• 6 egg yolks
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 to 1-2/3 tbsp. lemon juice
• 6 egg whites

1. Mix cookie crumbs and almonds in processor and grate fine.
2. Add lemon zest, mix lightly.
3. Melt butter and add.
4. Press about 1/2 inch of crumb mixture in a 9x4-inch springform pan, gradually pushing up sides.
5. Beat cheese and sugar until fluffy.
6. Add yolks one at a time, vanilla, and lemon juice, and beat well.
7. (For a sweeter taste, use less lemon.)
8. Whip egg whites into peaks and fold into cheese mixture.
9. Pour into crust and level off top.
10. Bake in preheated 350F oven for 1 hour.
11. Turn off heat, open door carefully, and allow to rest in the oven for 1 hour.
12. Cool on rack.
13. cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
14. To serve, run a sharp knife around edges before releasing spring.
15. Run a knife under the cake and place on cake server.
16. Place a 3 inch diameter glass in the middle, cut around it to the bottom, and then make 1/2 inch radial cuts.

sugar cookie crumbs, almonds, butter, lemon, cream cheese, sugar, egg yolks, vanilla extract, lemon juice, egg whites

Taken from www.foodgeeks.com/recipes/18282 (may not work)