Pumpkin Ginger Cheesecake

Makes 16 servings

ingredients

1 1/2 C Gingersnap cookie crumbs (about 36 cookies)
1/4 C Granulated sugar
3 Tbsp Butter or margarine, melted
3 pkgs (8 oz. each) Cream cheese, at room temperature
1 C Granulated sugar
1/4 C Light brown sugar, packed
2 large Eggs
1 can (15 oz.) Pure pumpkin
2/3 C (5 fl. oz.) Evaporated milk
2 Tbsp. Cornstarch
3/4 tsp. Ground ginger
1/4 tsp. Ground cloves
1 container (16 oz.) Sour cream, at room temperature
1/3 C Granulated sugar
1 tsp. Vanilla extract
Crumbled gingersnap cookies

directions

Preheat oven to 350. Tightly wrap outside bottom and side of 9-inch spring form pan with 2 pieces of foil to prevent leakage. Lightly grease inside of pan.

Crust

Combine cookie crumbs, granulated sugar and butter in medium bowl. Press onto bottom and 1 inch up side of prepared pan. Bake for 6 - 8 minutes. Cool on wire rack for 10 minutes.

Cheesecake

1
Beat cream cheese, granulated sugar and brown sugar in large mixer bowl until fluffy. Beat in eggs, pumpkin and evaporated milk. Add cornstarch, ginger and cloves; beat well. Pour into crust. Place pan in large roasting pan; fill roasting pan with hot water to 1-inch depth.
2
Bake for 65 - 75 minutes or until edge is set, but center still moves slightly.

Topping

Combine sour cream, granulated sugar and vanilla extract in small bowl; mix well. Remove cheesecake from water bath, leaving water bath in oven. Spread sour cream mixture over surface of warm cheesecake. Return cake to water bath; bake for 5 minutes longer. Remove cheesecake from water bath to wire rack. Run knife around edge of cheesecake. Cool completely. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Top with crumbled gingersnaps. Remove side of pan.

Source: Carrie Hicks