Penn-Dutch Traditional Cheesecake

3 pounds cream cheese -- softened

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

6 eggs

1 cup sour cream

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 1/2 teaspoons powdered sugar

NOTE How simple can a cheesecake be? This cake is simple and delicious, easy to make and great to eat. Be prepared for lots of praise when you serve this one! BTW, 3 pounds of cream cheese *IS* correct! That`s six 8oz packages of cream cheese! Me ke aloha, Mary Use a 10 inch springform pan. In a large bowl beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the sour cream and vanilla and continue to beat until smooth. Pour into a well-buttered springform pan. Place the pan inside of a larger pan containing 1 inch of water and bake in a preheated 400 degree F oven for 1 hour. Transfer the cake to a wire rack and allow to cool for 3 hours. Remove the sides of the springform pan and refrigerate the cake overnight. Remove the cheesecake from the refrigerator 1 hour before serving. Sprinkle the top of the cake with the powdered sugar shortly before serving. Source: Cheesecake Madness by John J. Segreto , ISBN 0-02-609040-6