Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake

Instructions

1. Step 1

   Mix cornstarch and lemon juice until blended. Combine rhubarb, strawberries and 1/4 cup sugar in medium saucepan. Add cornstarch mixture; mix well. Bring to boil on medium heat; cook 5 to 6 min. or until thickened, stirring constantly. Cool completely.

2. Step 2

   Heat oven to 325°F. Combine cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of the remaining sugar and butter; press onto bottom of 9-inch springform pan.

3. Step 3

   Beat cream cheese, remaining sugar, vanilla and lemon zest in large bowl with mixer until blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on low speed after each just until blended.

4. Step 4

   Remove half the fruit mixture; refrigerate until ready to use. Add remaining fruit mixture to cream cheese batter; stir just until blended. Pour over crust.

5. Step 5

   Bake 55 min. or until center is almost set. Run knife around rim of pan to loosen cake; cool before removing rim. Refrigerate cheesecake 4 hours. Top with reserved fruit mixture just before serving.