Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake

1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs

6 tablespoons sugar

1/4 cup butter -- melted

2 envelopes unflavored gelatin

3 tablespoons water

1 1/2 cups cottage cheese

Grated rind & juice of 1 lemon 2 eggs -- separated

1 1/4 cups half & half

1 quart strawberries

Combine the cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons of the sugar and the melted butter; mix well. Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly onto the bottom of an 8 in ch springform pan. Chill until firm.

Stir the gelatin into the water in a small metal bowl. Set in hot water until the gelatin dissolves. Combine the cheese, lemon rind and juice, egg yolks, h alf & half, gelatin and the remaining 4 tablespoons sugar in the blender. Whirl until smooth. Transfer to a bowl.

Beat the egg whites until stiff and fold into the cheese mixture. Pour into t he springform pan and refrigerate until chilled and set. Remove the cheesecake from the pan and arrange the strawberries on top. Decorate with whipped cream if desired . 8 servings.

busted by sooz