MASCARPONE CHEESECAKE

This fine dessert can be prepared a day ahead, or can be frozen in airtight container for up to 10 days.

serves 12 to 14

For crust:
1 cup sugar cookie crumbs (I use shortbread cookies)
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 tablespoons melted butter

For filling:
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
4 eggs, beaten
3 tablespoons grated lemon zest
1 pound mascarpone cheese
2 cups whipping cream

For garnish:
fresh raspberries or strawberries
lemon zest
red raspberry and strawberry sauce

Fit the bottom of a 9-inch spring form pan with a circle of parchment paper.
Combine cookie crumbs, sugar and butter in a bowl. Spread evenly into bottom of pan and refrigerate for about 15 minutes or until firm. To make cheese cake, combine sugar and cornstarch in a stainless steel saucepan.
Dissolve unflavored gelatin in 1/4 cup of the lemon juice. Whisk remaining lemon juice and beaten eggs in sugar and cornstarch mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring until mixture thickens to a medium-thick consistency. Remove from heat.
Stir in gelatin and lemon zest. Transfer to a large bowl, and let cool at room temperature.
Whisk in mascarpone until smooth. Beat whipping cream in a bowl until stiff. Fold mascarpone mixture into whipped cream.
Spoon cream mixture into prepared pan and smooth top with spatula. Seal top with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours.
Run a small sharp knife along the edge of the inside cake pan rim to loosen cake.
Remove sides of pan. Transfer dessert from metal base to a serving plate.
To serve, garnish with fresh berries, lemon zest and a red berry sauce.