Maple Syrup Mini Cheesecakes - Recipe

In case you don't speak french,
the adorable little canisters
behind each cheesecake
say 'maple syrup' on them...
OH CANADA!

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

*(substitute for gluten free cookie crumbs such as Sha Sha cookies or arrowroot animal crackers)
4 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
*(substitute for vegan margarine for baking)
2 cups ricotta cheese
*(substitute with honey or fig goat cheese)
2 cups cream cheese, softened
*(substitute for tofu cream cheese)
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups confectioners/icing sugar
3 eggs
1/4 cup maple syrup

additional maple syrup for drizzling, if desired

Preheat the oven to 325F. Put the cracker crumbs into a medium bowl and stir in the butter until well combined. Spoon a heaping tablespoon into each well of a muffin tin lined with baking cups. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom, to completely cover the bottom of each well. Chill in the fridge for 15-30 minutes (or until set).
In a large bowl, beat the ricotta (or goat) on low-medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the cream cheese, vanilla and icing sugar and maple syrup, continue to beat until smooth. Slowly add the eggs, one at a time, beating between eggs, until smooth. Spoon 1/4 - 1/3 cup of the cheese mixture into each well of the muffin on top of the graham crumbs. Bake for 23-27 minutes. Remove pan from oven and cool for 5 minutes. Remove mini cheesecakes from pan and cool on a wire rack for an additional 25 minutes. Store in fridge until ready to serve.  Drizzle with maple syrup before serving, if desired.
Mini cheesecakes can be stored covered in the fridge for up to 2 days before consumption.

Makes approximately 12 mini cheesecakes.

***Goat's milk cheese contains a different kind of lactose than standard cow's milk cheese. Because of this different kind of lactose, many people that are intolerant to cow's milk can easily digest goat's milk. Celebrity makes many flavors that will compliment these mini cheesecakes, such as blueberry, honey, fig and cranberry.***

PS I know that figs sound like one of those fruits you only find served in a geriatrics center, but this fruit is actually quite juicy and delicious. Fig goat cheese paired with prosciutto on a sandwich or in a salad...MMM Heaven!