INGREDIENTS

  • 1 graham cracker crust (9 inches)
  • ¾ cup of 2% cottage cheese
  • 8oz package of cream cheese
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 2 large egg whites at room temperature
  • 1 large egg at room temperature
  • ⅓ cup of strawberry preserves
  • ½ cup of fresh blueberries

METHOD

  1. Preheat oven to 375°. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with foil, letting ends extend up sides; coat foil with cooking spray. Remove pie crust from foil pan and break into fine crumbs onto the prepared pan. Press crumbs onto the bottom of the pan.
  2. Place cottage cheese in a small food processor and process until smooth. Transfer into a bowl and add cream cheese, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice and vanilla; beat until smooth.
  3. In a small bowl, lightly beat egg whites and egg; add to cottage cheese mixture. Beat on low speed just until blended. Pour over the crust.
  4. Drop strawberry preserves by teaspoonfuls over filling. Cut through cheesecake with a knife to swirl. Sprinkle with blueberries.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the center of the cheesecake is almost set. Cool for 1 hour on a wire rack. Refrigerate 2 hours or until cold.
  6. Lift the foil and remove cheesecake from the pan. Cut into 12 bars.

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes + chilling

Yield: 1 dozen

Recipe inspired by: Taste of Home