White Chocolate and Lime Cheesecake Bars

This fall Brian played in a flag football league and this past Sunday the team got together for a little dinner/banquet, players and wives. The Arnold were so gracious and hosted us all over for dinner so I insisted on bringing something. Dessert it was. I did not know what I bring so Sunday morning while sipping on my coffee I was looking at a few sites to get some inspiration. Jack-pot. I saw this yummy recipe and knew this was what i wanted to make.

White Chocolate and Lime Cheesecake Bars

7 ounces high-quality white chocolate (such as Lindt), chopped, plus white chocolate curls (optional garnish)
27 chocolate sandwich cookies (about 11 ounces)

1/2 cup chilled whipping cream
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, room temperature
3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon finely grated lime peel
Lime slices or lime twists (for garnish)

Line 8x8x2-inch square baking pan with foil, extending over all sides (I did not do this step). Stir chopped white chocolate in small metal bowl set over saucepan of barely simmering water until melted and smooth. Remove bowl from over water. Finely grind cookies in processor. Add 2 tablespoons melted white chocolate and blend until mixture clumps together. Firmly press mixture onto bottom of prepared pan. Chill while making filling. ( you will need to chill for probably an good 30 minutes or so- I did not allow mine to chill enough).

Beat whipping cream in medium bowl until peaks form (I used Cool Whip instead). Beat cream cheese, sugar, lime juice, and lime peel in large bowl until smooth. Beat in remaining melted white chocolate. Fold in whipped cream in 2 additions; spread over prepared crust. Chill until filling is slightly firm, at least 2 hours. Using foil as aid, lift cheesecake out of pan. Cut into 9 bars. Garnish with chocolate curls, if desired, and lime slices or twists.


Bon Appétit!