Cheesecake update!

"I have good news to bring, and that is why I sing"

That is actually an old gospel song but it accurately describes my attitude right now. 

I am happy to report that the cheesecake that I made last night (if your dying to make it you can get the recipe by clicking here) does not...I repeat DOES NOT have a crack the size of the grand canyon ripping down the middle of it.  It doesn't have a crack at all! 

Two things you should know about me and the food I prepare.

1.  It is always good.
2.  It never looks good.

The reason it never looks good is because I don't pay a great deal of attention to detail, this is true in other aspects of my life as well. 

I knew that I was taking this cheesecake to a family event and didn't want people sitting in the corners of the dining room whispering underneath their breath to other family members that Becky's cheesecake resembled the grand canyon.  So I set out on a mission to take whatever measures necessary to prevent a plumbers cheesecake. 

If I had to stand on my hand and whistle Dixie that was exactly what I planned on doing.  I'm glad I didn't have to do that I haven't stood on my head in approximatly 57 years and I can't whistle.  Anyway here are the tips and tricks I snagged from perfect cheesecake makers.

1.  Put a shallow pan of hot water on the bottom rack of your oven while baking the cheesecake.
2.  DO NOT under any circumstances open the oven door.  If there is a fire and the only way to save yourself and your family is to open the oven door while your cheesecake is baking then you must die in the fire.  DO NOT, DO NOT, DO NOT, DO NOT open the oven door until your cheesecake is finished baking. 
3.  After your cheesecake is finished open your oven door approx 4 inches, turn your oven off, and leave the cheesecake in the oven an additional 30 minutes. 
4.  Let your cheesecake cook completely before covering it and placing it in the fridge

I have no idea which tip worked in my favor.  I don't know if it was a particular tip or all the tips combined.  What I do know is I have a crackless cheesecake. 

If I have gone to all this trouble and it doesn't taste good, I will have a 3 year old meltdown.  Consider yourselves warned.