Instructions: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pastry to fit the bottom of a 10-inch springform pan. Using the base of the springform pan as a guide, cut out a circle. Transfer the circle to a pastry sheet, prick with a fork to prevent it from rising, and bake until golden, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool, and with a wide spatula, place into the springform pan. Set aside.

Meanwhile, caramelize the apples: Cut each quarter of apple into 5 or 6 slices, each about 1/4-inch thick. In a 10-inch skillet, melt the butter. Add the apples and 1/4 cup sugar and over medium high heat, saute the apples until lightly caramelized, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The apples will be very soft. Allow to cool slightly. Spread evenly over the baked crust.

In an electric mixer, using the paddle, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the remaining 3/4 cup sugar and continue to beat until the mixture is not grainy and there are no lumps. Stop the machine occasionally and scrape down the sides and under the paddle. Add the eggs, one at a time, and the vanilla. Scrape in the melted white chocolate and mix just until combined. Pour over the apples. (The filling will only reach about 1/3 up the sides of the pan.) Tap the pan gently against the countertop to level.

Wrap heavy duty foil (or 2 layers of regular foil) tightly around the outside of the pan and set the pan in the center of a large baking dish. Pour enough hot water into the larger dish to come halfway up the sides of the springform pan. Bake 55 to 60 minutes. The center will still be little soft, but thats okay. Remove the foil and cool on a wire rack. Refrigerate until firm. (At least 2 hours, up to overnight.)

Carefully remove the ring around the cheese cake. Serve as is or, if desired, melt 4 ounces of dark chocolate and decorate the top of the cake. To slice, dip a sharp knife into warm water and then cut the cake.

This recipe yields one 10-inch cake; 10 to 12 servings.

Comments: This is a particularly rich cake, so cut into small slices and serve with a few fresh strawberries or raspberries. I find the easiest way to melt the white chocolate is to break it up into small pieces and place it in a small cup or bowl. Place the cup in the microwave oven, cover with a paper towel, and heat the chocolate, 30 seconds at a time, stopping the oven and stirring the chocolate, continuing to heat until melted. It shouldnt take more than two or three 30-second periods.

Wine Recommendation: I like a small glass of good late bottled port with cheesecake. (Look for LBV port in your wine store.) The richness of the port is the perfect complement for the richness of this cheesecake. Or, if youre celebrating something significant, think about buying a good vintage port and decanting it a few hours before dinner. My favorites are Cockburns and Warre.

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