CHERRY CHEESECAKE

Prepare the base: crush the biscuits until they resemble crumbs (for example, in a food processor or in a bag with a rolling pin). Mix with melted butter. Press the cookie mixture into a pan approx. Spread evenly over the bottom of a 22-24cm diameter cake tin. Place in the refrigerator until the filling is ready.
To make the cream cheese: In a large bowl, mix the cottage cheese (or mascarpone, cream cheese) with the sugar. Add the eggs and yolks, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the lemon zest, vanilla extract and cornstarch. Mix until smooth, but do not beat for too long to avoid incorporating too much air into the cream (this can cause the surface to crack during cooking).
To prepare the cherry layer: In a saucepan, combine the pitted cherries with the sugar and cornstarch. If using, also add lemon juice. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the cherry juice thickens to a marmalade consistency. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Assembling the cake: Remove the biscuit base from the refrigerator. Spread the cream cheese evenly over it. Pour the cherry sauce on top. You can carefully mix the marmalade into the cream cheese to create a marbled effect, or you can leave it on top.
Bake: Place the cake pan in a larger pan and pour enough hot water into the pan to cover the cake pan by about 1/2 inch. Cover with 2-3 cm of thickness (steaming helps prevent cracking and makes the texture creamier). Bake in a preheated oven at 160°C for approx. Bake for 60-75 minutes or until the edges are set but the center is still a little soft.
Cooling: Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan. Then place in the refrigerator for at least 4 to 5 hours, but it is best to let it cool overnight.
Serving: Carefully unmold before serving. You can decorate it with fresh cherries, whipped cream or chocolate shavings.
Tips:

If you don’t like steaming, cook at a lower temperature (150°C) for longer (about 75-90 minutes).
If the top cracks, don’t worry, it won’t affect the flavor.
Instead of sour cherries, you can use other berries (for example, blueberries, raspberries).
You can also use cocoa cookies as a base for a more chocolatey flavor.