Whiskey Pumpkin Cheesecake

I love cheesecake…..any kind….and this is a really nice one to present to company. Sit down, pour a coffee and read through. Gather all the ingredients needed and go for it.

Crust
3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, cooled
pinch of cinnamon (secret ingredient)

Filling
1 1/2 cups pure pumpkin (not pie filling)
3 large eggs
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tbsp. whipping cream
1 tsp. really good vanilla
1 tbsp. whiskey
1/2 cup sugar
1 tbsp. cornstarch
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
pinch of salt
3 x 8 0z. pkgs. Philadelphia cream cheese, room temperature

Topping
2 cups sour cream
2 tbsp. brown sugar
1 tbsp. whiskey

Garnish
Toasted pecans, coarsely chopped

Invert the bottom of a 9 inch springform pan (create a flat bottom, making it easier to remove cake later). Then lock on the side and butter the pan.

Put the rack in the middle position of your oven and preheat to 350 degrees.

Whisk together the pumpkin, eggs, brown sugar, cream, vanilla and whiskey, until well combined.

Stir together the sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and salt in a large bowl. Add the cream cheese with an electric mixer at high speed until creamy and smooth (about 3-4 minutes). Reduce speed to medium and add pumpkin mixture and beat until completely smooth.

Pour filling into the crust, smoothing the top with an off-center spatula. I always wrap the pan in tin foil (to catch any leaks, if there are any). Put a bowl of water in the bottom rack, and place the pan on the middle rack and bake for about 55-60 minutes.Transfer to a rack to cool for 5 minutes.

Leave the oven on….Whisk together the sour cream, brown sugar and whiskey until smooth and spread over the cake, sprinkle the top with the toasted pecans and bake for 5 minutes. Remove and cool for 3 hours. Chill, covered until cold.

When ready to serve, simply remove from the pan and take to the table to show the cake to your company then return to the kitchen to cut and serve.

Beyond yummy and damn you did it!