Orange Cheesecake

Ingredients

• 1 2/3 cups Graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 (11 ounce) cans Mandarin oranges, undrained
• 1/4 cup Cointreau or Triple Sec
• 40 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 5 eggs
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/4 cup whipping cream
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

1. Combine Graham cracker crumbs, the 1/4 cup sugar and butter; mix well. Press into the bottom of a 10 inch springform pan.
2. Bake at 375 degrees F for 8 minutes; cool.
3. Drain mandarin oranges, reserving 1/2 cup liquid. Combine mandarin oranges and Cointreau, stirring gently. Set aside, stirring occasionally.
4. Beat cream cheese with an electric mixer until fluffy.
5. Stir in the 1 3/4 cups sugar, flour, salt and vanilla extract.
6. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
7. Add egg yolks, and beat well.
8. Beat in whipping cream; spread filling over crust.
9. Bake at 400 degrees F for 8 minutes.
10. Reduce heat to 200 degrees F and bake 1 hour and 30 minutes.
11. Turn off oven, and partially open oven door. Leave cheesecake in oven for 30 minutes.
12. Cool on a wire rack; chill well.
13. Remove sides from pan.
14. Drain mandarin oranges, reserving Cointreau. Arrange oranges on top and around sides of cheesecake.
15. Combine reserved mandarin orange liquid, reserved Cointreau, orange juice and cornstarch in a saucepan; stir well. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes or until thickened; cool slightly.
16. Spoon glaze over top of cheesecake; chill.