cover image 50 Best Cheesecakes in the World

50 Best Cheesecakes in the World

Larry Zisman, Honey Zisman. St. Martin's Griffin, $10.95 (192pp) ISBN 978-0-312-09239-9

If there is any doubt that cheesecake is America's favorite dessert, then this miniature volume may reaffirm the notion. The collection includes an array of recipes chosen from winners of the ``Love That Cheesecake'' contest and from some of the country's most famous restaurants. The 50 best selections include ``Desert Storm,'' ``Tropical Passion,'' ``Old-Fashioned Goodness'' and ``Citrus Cloud.'' Obscurely organized by pan size and given gratuitous anecdotes, the recipes have a saccharine tone. The basic steps are minimal, with few variations given in crust. Nevertheless, the Zismans ( 55 Best Brownies in the World ; 47 Best Chocolate Chip Cookies in the World ) should be thanked for their practical tips. For those novice bakers who are guilty of covering up cracks or ``character lines'' with huge amounts of fillings, fresh fruits or sauces, for instance, try baking with the springform pan immersed in a roasting pan half filled with water. The results should prove visually appealing. (July)