Now cheesecake might have been enjoyed as far back as the ancient Greeks and perhaps even earlier, but it’s in the USA that this simple creation has really blossomed into a national phenomena.
It’s everywhere, in every form and flavour, from small cupcake-sized versions to great big monsters made for special events. As for flavours, they are simple and sweet or surprisingly savoury, with plenty of variations in between.
The story of American cheesecake starts with the early European settlers who brought it from England, France and Germany. Philadelphia was a hotspot with its German influence, whilst the newish import was eaten at the popular Cheesecake House in the 1800’s.
The classic New York cheesecake was the next to shine thanks to the efforts of a chap called William Lawrence. When he saw that upstate New York creameries were producing an ‘American – type cream cheese’ he started having this smooth, creamy and delicious cheese shipped from Philadelphia.
Soon a cheesecake was appearing with ‘Philadelphia’ cheese in popular Jewish delis like Lindy’s, Reubin’s and Junior’s.
(Incidentally, the ‘Philadelphia’ cheese brand isn’t connected to Mr Lawrence’s early creation.)
Today, there is hardly a deli, restaurant or diner that won’t have their version of cheesecake. Different cities have their versions too.
If you are in New York, try the Mona Lisa Bakery for something traditional or the Porter House New York restaurant for a more modern touch.
Apart from the flavours, the main cheesecake difference is between the baked version that in Italian hands might feature crumbly ricotta cheese or the unbaked version, often so rich and creamy that it needs a good dollop of fruit to cut through the richness.
Of course, this being America, things can get a little extreme. So, how about something found down in Texas: a cheesecake wrapped in pastry and then deep-fried! Oh, with crushed Oreo cookies on top for good measure!
Oreo cookies also feature in many other recipes: for example, an Oreo cookie cheesecake popsicle or a special for Halloween, a cupcake-sized version filled with bits of that ubiquitous cookie.
By the way, the 30th of July is National Cheesecake Day in America, as well as National Father-in-Law Day. Look out for some discounts and even some free slices if you are very lucky.
For those who are a little more adventurous, there are cheesecakes made with posher cheeses such as a blue or a good Camembert. That way you get your dessert and cheese course all in one!
A meatier version has a bacon crust and topping, served with a smoky caramel sauce. A wilder one found in New Orleans features local delicacy: alligator. You’ll be biting into alligator sausage meat with sweet seasoning and shrimp. Mmmmmm…
Cheesecakes also don’t have to look like cakes either. There are cheesecake-filled strawberries, brownie-style ones and a real departure, a cheesecake dip, flavoured with peanut butter and chocolate.
The popularity of cheesecake in the US is underscored by the success of the 170-outlet success of restaurant chain, The Cheesecake Factory. Besides its 50 or so varieties of cheesecake, this popular place also serves a full menu of other dishes. You can get a taste of the American way with cheesecake when their first outlet opens in London shortly.
We hope you encounter some very special cheesecake treats on your American trip. Let us know what you come across. We’d like to hear about anything particularly good or unusual, so send us your pics.
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