4 Seasonal Hamptons Recipes To Put A Spring In Your Step

WHAT YOU'LL NEED
For the crust
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for pan
Flour for the pan
1¼ cups graham cracker crumbs (approximately 9 crackers)
3 tablespoons sugar

For the Filling
1 pound cream cheese, at room temperature
15 ounces ricotta
1 cup sour cream
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated
4 eggs, lightly beaten
1 large boiling potato (about 10 ounces), cooked, peeled, and grated

For the Caramel Layer (optional)
4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter
½ cup sugar
½ teaspoon kosher salt

[Serves 8]

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Butter and flour the bottom and sides of a 10-inch springform pan.

In a medium mixing bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, 3 tablespoons butter, and 3 tablespoons sugar together. Press firmly onto the bottom of the springform pan. Bake the crust for about 15 minutes, until lightly browned. Remove the crust from the oven, leaving the oven on.

For the filling, place the cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, 1 cup sugar, vanilla extract, and nutmeg together in the bowl of a stand mixer. Mix until well blended. Mix in the eggs. Mix in the potato just until incorporated.

To make the caramel layer (if using), combine the ¼ cup butter, ½ cup sugar, and salt in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat and let bubble, whisking occasionally, until light golden brown, about 5 minutes. Pour the caramel over the crust using a circular motion to form a large round shape. Avoid pouring any caramel onto the crust within about an inch of the sides of the pan. 

Pour the cheese filling over the caramel and crust. Bake about 1 hour 15 minutes, until the center is almost set. Turn the oven off and leave the cheesecake in the closed oven for at least 1 hour to cool and firm up. Take the cheesecake out of the oven, allow it to come to room temperature, then chill it in the refrigerator before serving.

STACY’S PAIRING: Potato vodka—like Sagaponacka Potato Vodka, with its strong vanilla notes—is a natural fit.