Homemade Mascarpone Cheesecake with Blackberry Sauce (Recipe)

This creation was inspired by one I sampled at Stars Cafe in San Francisco a few years back. Mascarpone, a soft Italian fresh cheese, is now available in the cheese section of many supermarkets.

Ingredients

1 cup finely ground amaretti cookies or coconut macaroon cookies (or 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs mixed with 1/2 cup flaked coconut)

3 tablespoons butter, melted

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

1/2 pound mascarpone cheese

3/4 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 (16 ounce) package frozen unsweetened blackberries or raspberries, thawed

1/2 cup powdered sugar

Steps

1.  In a medium bowl, mix together the cookie crumbs and melted butter until well mixed.  Press into the bottom and 1/2 inch cup the side of an 8 inch springform pan. 

2.  In a food processor, combine the cream cheese, mascarpone, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla.  Process until smooth and creamy.  Scrape the cheese filling into the crust.

3.  Place a vegetable steamer or other low rack on the bottom of a 5 quart electric slow cooker.  Pour 1 cup hot water into cooker.  Set the cheesecake on the rack.

4.  Cover and cook on the high setting about 3 hours, or until set.  (Do not attempt to cook on the low heat setting for a longer time.)  Remove the lid from the cooker and turn off the cooker.  Allow the cheesecake to stand in the cooker until cool enough to handle.  Remove and cool to room temperature, then refrigerate several hours or overnight, until cold.

5.  To make the blackberry sauce, puree the thawed berries in a food processor until smooth.  Add the powdered sugar and blend well.  To remove the seeds, press through a wire strainer into a bowl.  Refrigerate until serving time.

6.  To serve, remove the springform side from the pan and cut the cheesecake into slices.  Serve on dessert plates and top each slice with about 2 1/2 tablespoons blackberry sauce.  Refrigerate any leftovers.