Leprechaun Cheesecakes

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 325F LIne 12 cups in muffin pan with paper or silicone liners.
2. 2
   Place a cookie in the bottom of each cup, trimming to fit, if necessary.
3. 3
   In a bowl, using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar until fluffy.
4. 4
   Beat in cornstarch, egg, cream and vanilla until smooth.
5. 5
   Stir in lemon zest and lime zest and food coloring, if using, tinting to the desired shade of green.
6. 6
   Spoon cream cheese mixture on top of cookies in muffin cups and smooth tops.
7. 7
   Bake for 15-20 minutes or just until puffed and set.
8. 8
   Let cool in pan on a rack.
9. 9
   Refrigerate for about 1 hour or until chilled.
10. 10
    SPARKLY CREAM: In a chilled bowl, using an electric mixer, whip cream untl soft peaks form.
11. 11
    Beat in icing sugar and cornstarch just until stiff peaks form.
12. 12
    Fold in 2 tablespoons of the green sugar, leaving ribbons of color.
13. 13
    Dollop cream on top of each cheesecake and sprinkle with remaining green sugar (decorated cheesecakes can be loosely covered and refrigerated for up to 8 hours).
14. 14
    COOKING TIP: If you need to trim the cookies, warm them in the oven for a few minutes to soften them and carefully cut with a cookie cutter or serrated knife.
15. 15
    To make cheesecakes ahead, place cooled cakes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
16. 16
    If frozen, let thaw in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours.
17. 17
    Decorate with sparkly cream the day of serving.