50 Best Cheesecakes in the World

If there is any doubt that cheesecake is America's favorite dessert, then this miniature volume may reaffirm the notion. The collection includes an array of recipes chosen from winners of the ``Love That Cheesecake'' contest and from some of the country's most famous restaurants. The 50 best selections include ``Desert Storm,'' ``Tropical Passion,'' ``Old-Fashioned Goodness'' and ``Citrus Cloud.'' Obscurely organized by pan size and given gratuitous anecdotes, the recipes have a saccharine tone. The basic steps are minimal, with few variations given in crust. Nevertheless, the Zismans ( 55 Best Brownies in the World ; 47 Best Chocolate Chip Cookies in the World ) should be thanked for their practical tips. For those novice bakers who are guilty of covering up cracks or ``character lines'' with huge amounts of fillings, fresh fruits or sauces, for instance, try baking with the springform pan immersed in a roasting pan half filled with water. The results should prove visually appealing. (July)