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Fourth of July: Red, White and Berry Cheesecake Bars

Source of Recipe


Adapted from Northwest Berry Cookbook






List of Ingredients



• -- Crust --
  
• Nonstick cooking spray
  
• 9 whole honey-cinnamon graham squares
  
• 1/4 cup sugar
  
• 4 Tbsp butter, melted
  
• .
  
• -- Filling --
  
• 2 large eggs
  
• 8 ounces low-fat cream cheese, softened
  
• 1/2 cup sugar
  
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
  
• .
  
• -- Berry Topping --
  
• 1/4 cup cranberry-juice concentrate (defrosted if frozen)
  
• 1/2 cup water, divided
  
• 1/4 cup sugar
  
• 2 Tbsp cornstarch
  
• 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest
  
• 2 tsp lemon juice
  
• 1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg (or 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg)
  
• 1/2 pint fresh blueberries
  
• 1/2 pint fresh blackberries
  






Instructions



1. To prepare the crust: Spray a 9-inch square baking dish with cooking spray and set aside. Preheat oven to 375 degrees (F). Process the graham crackers in a food processor to fine crumbs. Add the sugar, processing to mix. Then add the melted butter and pulse to mix. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan, and bake 5 minutes. Cool.
   
   
2. To prepare the filling: Clean the processor. Add the eggs, cream cheese, sugar and vanilla; process until smooth and creamy. Pour over the crust and bake about 20 minutes, or until firm in the center when the dish is gently shaken. Cool on a rack.
   
   
3. To prepare the topping: Combine the cranberry-juice concentrate, 1/4 cup water and the sugar in a saucepan. Stir over medium-low heat to dissolve the sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Dissolve the cornstarch in the remaining 1/4 cup water. Whisk into liquid and cook until thickened and clear, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon zest, juice and nutmeg. Cool.
   
   Rinse the berries briefly, and remove any stems. Let drain. Stir into the topping, then pour over the cheesecake, spreading evenly. Refrigerate at least 1 hour. (The bars can be made a day in advance, covered and refrigerated.)
   
   Makes 20 pieces.