Key Lime Cheesecake


INGREDIENTS

Crust:
1 ¼ c. graham cracker crumbs
6 Tbsp. margarine, melted
3 Tsp. sugar

Filling:
1 ½ envelopes unflavored gelatin
½ C. key lime juice
3 packages (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened
1 ½ C. sugar
1 C. Cool Whip
2 drops green food coloring, optional


INSTRUCTIONS

Crust:
Heat oven to 300 degrees F. Melt butter in a glass bowl in the microwave.  Add the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Mix well.  Press into bottom of 9" springform pan. Bake 12 minutes. Cool.

Filling:
Beat cream cheese and sugar at medium speed with electric mixer until well blended.  Mix and warm the key lime juice in a bowl in the microwave on high for 1 minute. Slowly add the gelatin to key lime juice; mix in vigorously.  Gradually add gelatin and the lime juice mixture to the cream cheese mixture. If you would like it to be more key lime green, add the 2 drops of green food coloring.  Fold in Cool Whip; pour over crust. Refrigerate until firm.  Makes 10 to 12 servings.