August 2000 Cheesecake...Fat or Low Fat????

[iqueen]

Okay everybody I need help. I am not a baker and I have never made a cheesecake. I am going to make the Chocolate Mint Cheesecake from August 2000 tonight for guests that are coming Friday night. I am not intimidated by the process I am only concerned about the amount of FF cream cheese. It calls for 3 pkgs of FF and 1 package of reduced fat. I say MaryH's comments in a search about it coming out a little watery. Should I do 2 and 2? Should I do 4 reduced fat? Since I am only going to be eating one small slice, I am not that concerned about the "lightness" of it, but I don't want to go overboard. Please, please help me!!!!!!!!

[lorilei]

I've found that substituting neufchatel for all the cream cheese called for in CL recipes works splendidly. It may up the fat content slightly, but it's still "light" -- and you shouldn't have consistency problems.

http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[mightyh]

For what it's worth, I made it exactly the way the recipe said and it turned out fine--good consistency. Had to cook it a little longer than the suggested time, though.

[sneezles]

I had the same results as mightyh, as I do with most cheesecake recipes and oven variations. I always set the timer for the shortest cooking time but often have to cook it longer. The thermostat in my oven is working it's just that I'm in the country and cooking with propane I don't think it's as consistent as electric ovens.

[MrsReber]

Wow, sneezles, I am surprised that you think propane ovens are less efficient than electric. I hated my electric oven in my house. When I moved into my husband's house, I was thrilled that he had a propane oven. I never have any problems and everything cooks very evenly.

As far as the time for baking cheesecakes, I have made three CL cheesecakes so far and both of them were very close on the baking time. I also use a dark non-stick pan to bake them in, so I have to adjust for that. I've never had a soupy one, though.

[bijoux22]

I also substitute ff for neufchatel. I know it adds some fat and calories but I don't care for the taste and texture of the ff stuff.

I made the CL's lemon swirl cheesecake and it was divine. I loved it for dessert, breakfast, snack......I guess you get the idea, it went quickly. YUM YUM

[This message has been edited by bijoux22 (edited 09-27-2000).]