Jesus' Birthday Cake (Nutella Cheesecake)

It's a tradition in our family every Christmas day to have a birthday cake for Jesus because He is the reason for this season.  We've decided every year we can change up the flavor of the cake as long as we stay true to the meaning and significance of it.  This year, we made Nutella Cheesecake.  You can get the recipe at http://www.nigella.com/recipes/view/nutella-cheesecake and added our own twist which is adding shaved white chocolate and cherries on top... oh, so good!  This cake represents the following...

* The shape of the cake is round to represent the world into which Jesus was born.
* The bottom (inner) layer is black to represent the sin in us, which is why Jesus came to the earth.
* The red coloring is Jesus' blood that was shed on the cross for our sin.
* The pure white frosting is the purity and righteousness of Christ.
* The red candle (not shown on picture) represents Jesus who came into the dark world to bring light and truth to all who are willing to receive it.

• 10 oz graham crackers
• 5 tablespoons soft unsalted butter
• 1 x 13 oz jar Nutella (at room temperature)
• ¾ cup chopped toasted hazelnuts
• 1 lb cream cheese (at room temperature)
• ½ cup confectioners' sugar (sifted) 
  

  Method

• Break the digestives into the bowl of a processor, add the butter and a 15ml tablespoon of Nutella, and blitz until it starts to clump. Add 25g/3 tablespoons of the hazelnuts and continue to pulse until you have a damp, sandy mixture.
• Tip into a 23cm/9inch round springform and press into the base either using your hands or the back of a spoon. Place in the fridge to chill.
• Beat the cream cheese and confectioners' sugar until smooth and then add the remaining Nutella to the cream cheese mixture, and continue beating until combined.
• Take the springform out of the fridge and carefully smooth the Nutella mixture over the base. Scatter the remaining chopped hazelnuts on top to cover and place the tin in the fridge for at least four hours or overnight. Serve straight from the fridge for best results.

Additional information - for vegetarians make sure the cream cheese does not contain rennet


Recipe Courtesy:  Nigella Lawson