Best Key Lime Cheesecake

Directions

1. 1
   For the crust: In a bowl, stir together the crumbs and sugar and stir the butter in well.
2. 2
   Pat the mixture evenly onto the bottom and 1/2 inch up the sides of a buttered 10-inch springform pan.
3. 3
   Bake the crust in the centre of a preheated 375 degree F oven for 8 minutes.
4. 4
   Transfer the pan to a rack and set aside to cool.
5. 5
   For the cake: In a bowl with an electric mixer beat together the cream cheese and the sugar until the mixture is smooth; beat in the sour cream and flour, then add the eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition.
6. 6
   Add the lime juice, vanilla, and food colouring and beat until mixture is smooth.
7. 7
   Pour the filling over the crust.
8. 8
   Bake the cheesecake at 375F (190C) F for 15 minutes, reduce the temperature to 250F and bake for 50 to 55 minutes more, or until the centre is barely set.
9. 9
   (It will continue to set as it cools)
10. 10
    Let the cake cool on a rack, and chill it, covered, overnight.
11. 11
    Remove the cheesecake from the pan and transfer it to a cake stand.
12. 12
    With a pastry bag fitted with a decorative tip, pipe the whipped cream into rosettes on the cake or whatever you feel like.
13. 13
    Garnish with the mint sprigs and lime slices if desired,