THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY'S PUMPKIN GINGER CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Set oven to 350 degrees (300 degrees for convection-bake oven).
• Prepare a 10-inch springform pan.
• To make the crust; in a bowl place the melted butter with graham cracker crumbs, crushed gingersnaps, brown sugar and cinnamon; mix with a fork until combined.
• Line bottom and side with parchment paper or wax paper, then spray with nonstick spray.
• Press the mixture into the bottom of the pan.
• For the filling; pour the whipping cream into a medium bowl and beat just until soft peaks form; refrigerate until ready to use.
• In a bowl beat the cream cheese with electric mixer until fluffy; gradually add in sugar, beating well until combined.
• Add in eggs one at a time and beat the mixture until fluffy.
• Stir in pumpkin puree, ginger, cinnamon and cloves.
• Remove the whipped cream from the refrigerator and lightly whisk to reblend.
• Using a spatula or a flat spoon fold in the whipped cream into the cream cheese-pumpkin mixture.
• Pour the mixture into preapred crust.
• Wrap one continuous sheet of heavy foil around the springform pan then press firmly against the pan.
• Place the wrapped pan in a baking pan and fill with hot water to halfway up the spring form pan.
• Bake for 60-70 minutes.
• Cool the cheesecake to room temperature, the chill for at least 5 hours or until the cake is thoroughly chilled.
• Remove the sides of the springform pan.
• Just before serving place the pecan halves on top of the cheescake in a ring around the edges.