Cheesecake Craving

When friends and family began asking me to bring this cheesecake to their parties, or for doggie bags after my dinner parties, I began to wonder if this was possibly my best recipe. So I make it often, for friends and neighbors who do wonderful favors for us, for holiday celebrations with family, and for our son, who has intermittent "cheesecake cravings." (It's a great lure!) Not difficult to make, but takes the better part of three hours from start to finish. It also needs an hour or two (better overnight) to chill and set. So make it on a Saturday when you don't have to rush it. I serve it plain, but superb accompaniments are sweetened whipped cream and raspberry or pineapple purée. It freezes really well, too.