Blue Cheese–Walnut Cheesecake

There is no law that says cheesecake must be sweet. Like pie, pancakes, or popcorn, it is little more than a vehicle for flavor. Think of this pungent, savory cheesecake as the cheese ball for the next decade. It takes no precooking and can be assembled in less than 10 minutes. You will need a 1½-quart soufflé dish that fits comfortably inside a large slow cooker. The one I use has a 6½-inch diameter, which fits perfectly into a 5- to 6-quart cooker. (I have another that’s 7 inches across,