Key Lime Cheesecake with Candied Lime Zest

Key Lime Cheesecake with Candied Lime Zest

Ingredients:
Crust:
5 tablespoons butter, melted
2 cups plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
1 cup graham cracker crumbs

Candied Zest:
1 cup simple syrup (1 cup sugar and 1 cup water heated until the sugar dissolves)
Rind of 2 limes, julienned
12 sprigs fresh mint

Directions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the butter, 2 tablespoons of the sugar and the crumbs. Press firmly over the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Set aside.
2. For the candied zest, simmer the simple syrup and lime zest in a saucepan over medium heat 3-4 minutes. Remove the zest and cool on parchment paper.
3. Cut the cake into servings and garnish with candied zest and mint sprigs.