Savory Crab Meat and Shrimp Cheesecake

This cheesecake is the ultimate appetizer that replaces a cheese-ball hands down.  Serve warm with a red or white glass of wine.  Enjoy and have fun!

Crust

1 stick of salted butter – room temperature
1 cup of pecans which have been placed in and blender and ground into small course pieces
½ cup of flour
1 cup of butter crackers, crushed
1 teaspoon of Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
½ teaspoon of ground black pepper

Mix all together and press into a spring  form pan which has been sprayed with a non stick coating.  Bake in an oven for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown.  Set aside and cool while you prepare the filing.

Filling

1 stick of butter melted and sautéed with 1 cup each
Celery
Onion
Bell pepper – During the holidays red and green help to keep this cheesecake festive.
Sauté until tender.

Cook 2 cups of 31 to 40 count shrimp with butter in a skillet until cooked.  Cut shrimp into 3rds and set aside.
Measure 1 cup of crab meat . Set aside.
Grate 2 cups of Gruyere, 1 cup of Asiago grated cheese set aside.

Place in a mixer

5 ounces cream cheese – room temperature
½ cup sour cream
6 large eggs room temperature – one at a time
1 teaspoon Lawry’s
1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon of dried dill
1 tablespoon of parsley

3 teaspoons granulated garlic

3 teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce
6 dashes of Tabasco Sauce - add as much as you want if you like an extra kick
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes - use it or not, it is up to you

Mix in a bender the cream cheese until well blended and creamy.  Add the sour cream and beat until well blended.  Add all seasonings along with Worcestershire and Tabasco Sauce, along with sautéed onion, celery and bell pepper.  Fold in cheeses, shrimp, and crab meat.

Pour into prepared spring form pan which has the precooked crust.

 

Bake in a 350 degree for 30 minutes.  Drop down the oven to 325 degrees and cook for an hour.

Drop down for 300 for an hour .  Finish off at 250 degree oven for 30 minutes.  Let  cool from the oven and refrigerate. Serve warmed from the micro oven with crackers.  Enjoy with a glass of wine.

 

Perfect for the holidays and I know you are going to have fun!