I have been horrible at blogging these last few months. Between trying to sell our house, looking for a new house and Thad living in another city during the week and me being all over the place......life has been busy and simply crazy the last little while, so I am sorry. I will endeavor to do better. However, just because I have been busy does not mean I have not been trying new recipes.....
If you love cheesecake and pumpkin pie, then this recipe is for you. Chef Brad Farmerie, who is the executive chef for a popular restaurant Public which is in NYC and who has appeared on iron chef, recently appeared on the Martha Stewart Show sharing his shared his mom signature Thanksgiving dessert, Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse. I know I have been smothering you with Martha's recipes but when I saw this recipe being made I knew that not only did I have to try it but after making it, I knew that I had to share it with you all too. I have a weak spot for when people say that this is their mom's recipe and that she makes it every year. That is code for this recipe is dang good.
At a glance it may appear that there are a lot of steps to this recipe, but they are easy steps that equal an amazing dessert, that not only tastes divine but also looks great plated with its three layers. I can honestly say I have found a new family favorite that I will make every year. And honestly I am already craving it.
Click HERE to watch Chef Brad Farmerie and Martha make his mom's famous Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse.
The Crust1/2 cup (1 stick) melted unsalted butter, plus more, unmelted, for pan
1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup sugar
The Cheesecake
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature
2 large eggs
3/4 cup sugar
The Pumpkin Mousse
1 (1/4-ounce) envelope gelatin
1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
3 large egg yolks
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 large egg whites
Whipping Cream Topping
1 cup very cold heavy cream
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Start off by preheating the oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish; set aside.
In a large bowl, combine melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, and sugar; stir until well combined. Press graham cracker mixture into bottom of prepared baking dish in an even layer; set aside.
For the cheesecake, using the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whisk together cream cheese, eggs, and sugar until fluffy. Spread cheesecake mixture over crust in baking dish. Transfer to oven and bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.
While cheesecake is cooling start working on the pumpkin mouse. To begin, fill a small bowl or liquid measuring cup with 1/4 cup water; sprinkle gelatin over top and let soften; set aside. In a large heatproof bowl, mix together pumpkin, egg yolks, 1/2 cup sugar, milk, salt, and cinnamon. Set bowl over (but not touching) simmering water; whisk pumpkin mixture until thickened, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove bowl from heat and whisk in gelatin mixture. Let cool to room temperature.
In the clean bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Add remaining 1/4 cup sugar and continue whisking until medium peaks form. Fold into cooled pumpkin mixture. Spread pumpkin mixture over cheesecake; Cover and transfer to refrigerator until set, at least 8 hours and up to overnight
For the whipping cream, using a bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whisk together heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Spread over cake or serve cheesecake with a dollop on the side.
This dessert will wow your holiday guests and will make them wonder how you found the time to make such a yummy, pretty dessert. You will be pleasantly surprised by this recipe.
Enjoy and happy holiday baking!
