Recipe: Layered green tea and black sesame cheesecake

Total time: 1 hour, 45 minutes plus cooling and chilling time

Servings: 12 to 16

Note: From Betty Hallock. Published March 1, 2006. Whole and ground black sesame seeds and matcha green tea powder are available in Asian markets.

9 whole graham crackers, ground (1 1/3 cups ground)

6 tablespoons butter, melted

3 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons whole black sesame seeds, divided

Butter for cake pan

2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature

3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons sugar, divided

3 cups sour cream, divided

3 large eggs

1 tablespoon matcha green tea powder

1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons ground black sesame seeds, divided

1 teaspoon vanilla

1. Heat the oven to 325 degrees. Place a cake dish filled with water on the bottom rack.

2. Place the graham cracker crumbs in a medium bowl. Slowly pour the melted butter over the crumbs, stirring with a fork. Add 2 tablespoons whole black sesame seeds and mix.

3. Spread the mixture into a buttered 8-inch springform pan, patting it onto the bottom and about an inch up the sides of the pan, then pressing firmly with the bottom of a glass. Refrigerate while you prepare the filling.

4. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Beat in three-fourths cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar. Add 2 cups sour cream and beat. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Try not to over-beat.

5. Divide the filling into two bowls. Combine the green tea powder and a little of the filling from one bowl and mix until smooth. Return the green tea mixture to one bowl of filling and mix to combine evenly.

6. To the other bowl of filling, add 2 teaspoons whole black sesame seeds and 2 teaspoons ground black sesame seeds and combine thoroughly.

7. Pour the green tea filling into the chilled crust. Carefully spoon the black sesame filling over the green tea layer. Smooth with an offset spatula.

8. Place the cheesecake on the center rack of the oven and bake for about 1 hour, 15 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center will be a little wobbly.

9. Turn the oven off and let the cake cool about 5 minutes with the oven door propped open with a wooden spoon.

10. Meanwhile, prepare the topping. Mix the remaining 1 cup sour cream with the remaining 2 teaspoons sugar and the vanilla.

11. Remove the cheesecake from the oven. Remove the pan of water and heat the oven back up to 425 degrees. Spread the sour cream mixture over the black sesame layer with an offset spatula. Bake for 8 minutes.

12. Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature, about 2 hours, on a rack before transferring it to the refrigerator. Refrigerate overnight to set. Before serving, sprinkle with the remaining whole black sesame seeds.

Each of 16 servings: 330 calories; 6 grams protein; 20 grams carbohydrates; 0 fiber; 26 grams fat; 15 grams saturated fat; 101 mg. cholesterol; 163 mg. sodium.