Mandarin Orange Cheesecake on a Pecan Ginger Crust
Description
I love the flavor and texture combination of this cheesecake. A creamy smooth citrus cheesecake on a dense gingery crust, paired with tart cranberry and sweet pomegranate, and rounded out with the crunchy pecans. It's really light and refreshing
Recipe by
Ingredients
Pecan Ginger Crust
1 1/4 cup pecans
1/3 cup pitted, packed dates - finely chopped
1 tablespoon minced ginger*
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
*grated finely on a microplane
Mandarin Orange Filling
2 1/2 cups mandarin orange segments
1 1/2 cups cashew
1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon maple syrup
6 drops stevia
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon packed orange zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4-6 drops orange essential oil, or to taste
1/8 teaspoon himalayan salt
1/2 cup melted coconut oil
2 tablespoons melted cacao butter
Cranberry Pomegranate Compote
1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
1/2 cup mandarin orange juice (or juice of regular oranges)
2 tablespoons pomegranate powder
5 drops stevia
1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1-2 drops orange essential oil
1 1/2 tablespoons chia seed
2 tablespoons goji berries
Methods/steps
Pecan Ginger Crust
1) Grind all ingredients together in a food processor to create a dough.
2) Press the dough into the bottom of an 8" or 12" spring form pan.
Mandarin Orange Filling
1) Blend all but the oil and butter until completely smooth and creamy.
2) Add the oil/butter and blend briefly to incorporate.
3) Pour the filling over the crust.
4) Chill in the fridge for 8-12 hours.
Cranberry Pomegranate Compote
1) Blend all but the chia and gojis, in a food processor or blender, leaving a little texture, if desired.
2) Pulse in the chia seed just to mix it in, but avoid breaking it down.
3) Transfer the mixture to a bowl and fold in the goji berries.
4) Chill in the fridge for a few hours. The chia will soak up some of the liquid, causing the compote to thicken.
5) Spoon over the cheesecake when you are ready to serve it.
6) Top with *Candied Pecans
Additional Tips
*recipe for Candied Pecan's found here:
http://www.rawfoodrecipes.com/recipes/sweetly-raw-crunchy-morsels.html
