Mint Julep Cheesecake

Crumb Crust:
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons granulated sugar or packed brown sugar
1 cup fine crumbs (chocolate wafer, graham cracker,
    or vanilla wafer cookies)

Place butter in an 8- or 9-inch round micro-proof cake dish. Microwave at HIGH (100%) for 30 to 45 seconds, or until melted. Add sugar and crumbs. Stir and mash with a fork until well mixed. Lightly press on bottom and about halfway up side of dish. Microwave at HIGH for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, rotating 1/2 turn every 30 seconds, until hot. Let stand while making cheesecake filling.

Cake:
16 ounces cream cheese
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cr me de menthe
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate sauce (optional)

Place unwrapped cream cheese in a 2-quart micro-proof bowl or casserole. Microwave at MEDIUM (50%) for 3 to 5 minutes, or until softened.

Add sugar, flour, liqueur, eggs and vanilla extract. Beat with electric mixer at high speed until well blended. Cover with plastic wrap. Microwave at MEDIUM-HIGH (70%) for 10 to 12 minutes, or until hot and thick enough to mound from spoon, whisking vigorously every 4 minutes to break up soft cooked area. (Mixture will melt to a shiny liquid, then thicken.)

Pour into prepared crust. For a soft, custard-like consistency, place cheesecake in refrigerator. Chill at least 3 hours. For a firm cheesecake-like consistency, continue microwaving at MEDIUM (50%) for 10 to 13 minutes, until all areas are set and firm and top looks dry.

Serve with chocolate sauce, if desired.