Orange Cheesecake

 by Diana

½ c fine graham wafer crumbs

1 tbsp sugar

1 tbsp melted butter

1 pkg vanilla pudding mix

2 envelopes unflavoured gelatin

2 c orange juice

½ c sugar

1 c cottage cheese

2 egg yolks

½ c skim milk powder

½ c ice water

2 tbsp lemon juice

½ c sugar

2 egg whites, stiffly beaten

¼ c maraschino cherries

Sliced orange sections

Prepare the pie base by mixing the graham crumbs with sugar and melted butter (the first 3 ingredients). Line the bottom of an 8” springform pan with parchment paper and press the crumbs over the bottom of the pan, reserving a few crumbs for garnish.

Combine the pudding mix, gelatin, ½ c sugar and the egg yolks in a saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until thickened. Cook thoroughly. Beat the cottage cheese until creamy and add in the pudding mixture, mixing until blended.

Combine the milk powder and the ice water in a bowl and whip until soft peaks appear (3-4 minutes). Add lemon juice and whip into soft peaks. Gradually fold the sugar into the mixture and then fold the beaten egg whites into the mixture. Fold in the pudding mixture and pour into the prepared pie pan. Chill until set or about 3 hours. Remove from the pan and garnish with the reserved crumbs, maraschino cherries and orange sections.

Makes 8-10 servings.