Peppermint Patty's Candy Cane Cheesecake

Let's face it - candy canes are cute and sweet and adorable and fun but by the time Christmas is over and the tree is looking a little worn and sad - we look at those little candy canes and wonder what in the world we're going to do with them. Instead of making the kids eat them or tossing them in the trash or - horrors - keeping them until next year - how about a recycle and reuse recipe made specifically for using up the little orphan canes of Christmas.

This cheesecake is a great dessert with coffee or tea when guests arrive for the New Year or, heck, for YOU, because after all of the work that you've done these past weeks, well, you deserve a special treat!

Crust
2 cups oreo cookie crumbs
1/2 cup crushed candy canes
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted

Cheesecake
1 1/2 lb. cream cheese
1 1/2 tbsp. peppermint schnapps
1/2 tbsp. orange juice
1/2 tbsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup sugar
4 eggs
2 tbsp. sour cream
1/4 cup half and half
1 cup crushed candy canes

Instructions

Crust
Combine all ingredients and mix well.
Butter two 8 inch cake pans.
Divide crumb mixture between the two pans, making 1/2 inch crust.

Cheesecake
Beat cream cheese, schnapps, concentrate, vanilla, cream, and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition.
Add remaining ingredients and beat well until blended.
Fill both prepared pans with cheesecake batter. Place pans in water bath of boiling water and bake at 325 degrees for 1 1/2 hours.

Cool on rack and chill overnight.