Waldo’s Hintz claims Merit Award with sweet treat

WALDO – Cheesecake and fruit is always a treat, but Alyssa Hintz, age 18, Waldo, really outdid herself. The daughter of Mike and Joan Hintz is a member of the Waldo Fireflies and her outstanding creation has won her a Merit Award at the Sheboygan County Fair.

“I made it from scratch,” Hintz said. “There is ricotta and feta cheese in it, some cream cheese, sour cream, lemon, vanilla extract, eggs and sugar, and it has vanilla wafers with unsalted butter for the crust. I used unsalted butter because that’s what the recipe called for.

“I found the recipe online and this was the first time making it,” Hintz continued. “I thought it would be different and I liked the fruit design, and I wanted to win a Merit on it so I knew it had to be well presented.

“I have tasted it and it’s good!” Hintz exclaimed.

“It is 10 inches round and it’s topped with whole strawberries, peaches, blueberries and cherries,” Hintz said.

“What I learned is how to bake it in a water bath,” Hintz stated.

“That was different. I had never done that with a cheesecake before.

“What you do is wrap the pan in tinfoil, set it in a roasting pan and fill the pan with water,” Hintz explained, “and you bake it like that. It bakes more evenly.

“The judge liked it,” Hintz said. “She thought it was pretty and well-presented.”

The cheesecake was displayed on an elegant glass pan with a small edge to retain the juice from spilling from the fruit.

“I will eat it!” Hintz exclaimed. “I may make [the dessert] again, but I have to try it first.”