Chief Longwind Of The North
Certified/Certifiable
Anytime I have cracks in the top (which is often!) I garnish with something like shaved or curled chocolate. White chocolate goes well with raspberry. Glad it turned out for you, sounds like it was great!
It's been my experience that cracks om top of the custard are caused by overcooking the cheesecake. As the custard gets hot, the protriens in the dairy start to tighten up, pulling toward thecenter. The crust is firm, and holds the edges of the cheesecake custard. So, everthing is pulling toward the center, but the crust won't let it go there. Something has to give. The curd loses its integrity and breaks, or pulls apart to relieve the stress.
To avoid this, coo the custard until it is just underdone, that is, it still jiggles a little in the middle when the pan is shaken. When the cheesecake is removed from the heat, the custard's stored heat will finish it, giving you a very creamy, and smooth cheesecake.
When it cooks to the point of creaking, the custard still tastes fabulous, but the texture is more solid, and almost like paste. I think I learned this info right here in DC Now, since I learned to cook my cheesecakes properly, giving them the creamy texture, they are sought after by those who used to be my co-workers.
What's your favorite cheesecake topping? Mine is a sweetened sour cream, on a New York Cheesecake.
Seeeeeya; Chief Lonfwind of the North