Lemon poppy seed muffins are ubiquitous at Spring brunches.  Why not put a twist on things and make decadent mini lemon poppy seed cheesecakes?  In addition to the refreshing lemon flavor and the fun texture of poppy seeds, these cheesecakes also feature ginger to give them a little zing! They’ve got a gingersnap crust, ginger whipped cream, and a sprinkle of ginger in the cheesecake itself.  Make the cheesecakes picture perfect by topping them with colored sugar and a gingersnap cookie.

Yield: 18 mini cheesecakes

Gingersnap Crust Ingredients:
3 teaspoons brown sugar
1 ½ cups crushed gingersnaps
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Gingersnap Crust Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 F.
Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl until they begin to stick together.
Divide the mixture evenly between 18 cupcake liners, pressing down to make sure it is smooth and solidly packed.
Bake for 10 minutes.

Cheesecake Ingredients:
2 (8-oz.) packages cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup sour cream
Zest from 4 small lemons (approximately 2 tablespoons)
½ teaspoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons poppy seeds

Cheesecake Directions:
Preheat oven to 325 F.
Mix cream cheese and sugar until integrated.
Mix in eggs, one at a time.
Mix in sour cream.
Add zest, ginger, and poppy seeds.
Spoon mixture over pre-baked crusts.
Bake for 30 minutes.
Remove cheesecakes from oven and allow to come to room temperature.
Place in the refrigerator to chill.

Ginger Whipped Cream Frosting Ingredients:
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2/3 cup sugar
½ teaspoon ground ginger
Colored sugar (optional)
Gingersnap cookies (optional)

Ginger Whipped Cream Frosting Directions:
Whip heavy whipping cream and sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in ginger.
Spread or pipe frosting onto the chilled cheesecakes.
Optionally, decorate with colored sugar and a gingersnap cookie.