Zwieback - need an alternative

[uwsgrazer]

I plan to prepare a couple of different cheesecakes for Thanksgiving. Both recipes call for Zwieback-based crusts. I have had the darnedest time trying to track down the biscuits, apparently for good reason as they no longer seem to be made.

Does anyone have a good recipe to replicate Zwieback toast or an alternative recommendation? I know graham crackers are sometimes used as a substitute but I really am not keen on that.

[goodhealthgourmet]

per hymncat, maybe you can find Holland Rusks near you:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/7406...

or you can order them on Amazon.

[uwsgrazer]

Thanks. I'll have another look. I think I saw rusks at the store, but they were savory in nature, if I recall correctly

[goodhealthgourmet]

i actually tracked down a couple of possible options for that other poster who was searching for zwieback...maybe one of those will be better?
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/740625#6008326

or try this recipe from the KAF website?
http://www.kingarthurflour.com/blog/2...

[uwsgrazer]

Wow. That KAF recipe looks great! But WAY too much work, at least for me. Okay, I'm lazy. What can I say. But I'm also realistic ;)

I e-mailed Gerber to ask if any of their product line would be a suitable substitute. I will report back if and when I hear.

[todao]

To replicate Zwieback (a crisp twice baked bread usually made with eggs and sugar) you could use a biscotti. My favorite crumb crust for cheesecake is simply finely crushed dried bread crumbs and butter. Toss in a bit of sugar if you want to sweeten it up.
If you're up to something new and different, spray a pan with cooking oil and "dust" it with rice flour, then pour off the excess and par-bake it for about 5 - 7 minutes. Add your filling and back as usual. The resulting crust is extraordinarily thin and crispy.

[uwsgrazer]

Do you use store-bought bread crumbs? I guess if I add enough sugar it will taste sweet like Zwieback. Right or wrong, I just normally think of bread crumbs as more of a savory item