-
1
For figs and crust:Combine Port, figs and cloves in heavy medium saucepan and bring to boil.
-
2
Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer till figs soften, about 20 min.
-
3
Cold.
-
4
Throw away cloves.
-
5
For Crust:Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 350F.
-
6
Combine vanilla wafers and hazelnuts in processor and grind finely.
-
7
Add in butter and process till moist crumbs form.
-
8
Press crumbs onto bottom and halfway up sides of 9-inch-diameter springform pan with 2 3/4-inch-high sides.
-
9
Freeze crust 20 min.
-
10
Spread fig mix onto bottom of crust.
-
11
For filling:Using electric mixer, beat cream cheese and 1 1/2 c. sugar in large bowl till smooth.
-
12
Add in Large eggs 1 at a time, beating just till blended after each addition.
-
13
Fold in liqueur, vanilla and peel.
-
14
Spoon filling over fig mix in crust.
-
15
Gently shake pan to distribute filling.
-
16
Bake cheesecake till filling is golden brown around the edges and center moves only slightly when pan is shaken, about 1 hour 5 min.
-
17
Transfer to rack.
-
18
Press down edges of cake to flatten if necessary.
-
19
Maintain oven temperature.
-
20
Combine lowfat sour cream and remaining 3 Tbsp.
-
21
sugar in small bowl.
-
22
Spread mix proportionately over top of cake.
-
23
Return to oven and bake 10 min.
-
24
Transfer cheesecake to rack.
-
25
Run small sharp knife around sides of cheesecake.
-
26
Cold.
-
27
Chill cake overnight.
-
28
(Can be prepared 2 days ahead.
-
29
Keep chilled.
-
30
Release pan sides from cake; transfer cake to platter.
-
31
Cut 5 slices from orange.
-
32
Cut each slice in half.
-
33
Cut each fig lengthwise into 5 slices.
-
34
Arrange orange slices, cut side toward center, around top edge of cake.
-
35
Place fig slice atop each orange slice.
-
36
Place hazelnuts between orange slices.
-
37
Serve with sauce.
-
38
For port sauce:Stir Port and sugar in heavy small saucepan over low heat till sugar dissolves.
-
39
Increase heat to medium-high and boil till mix is reduced to 1 c., about 13 min.
-
40
Mix water and cornstarch in small bowl.
-
41
Whisk into Port mix and boil till slightly thickened, stirring constantly, about 1 minute.
-
42
Cold.
-
43
(Can be made 2 days ahead.
-
44
Cover and chill.
-
45
Bring to room temperature before serving.)