HARVEST PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine cracker crumbs and sugar; stir in the butter.
• Press onto the bottom and 2 inches up the sides of a greased 9-inch springform pan.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 5 minutes.
• Cool on a wire rack.
• In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until smooth.
• Add eggs, pumpkin and spices; beat just until combined.
• Pour into crust.
• Place cheesecake/pan in a large rectangular baking pan filled with 2 inches of hot water; place in a 350 degree oven and bake for 1 hour or until center is almost set.
• Remove cheesecake from oven and water-filled pan and cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
• Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer.
• Refrigerate until completely cooled (center will fall).
• Remove sides of pan just before serving.
• Garnish with whipped cream.