Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe

In a small bowl, combine cracker crumbs and sugar; stir in the butter. Press onto the bottom and 2 in. up the sides of a greased 9-in. springform pan. Bake at 350° for 5 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until smooth. Add eggs, pumpkin and spices; beat just until combined. Pour into crust. Bake at 350° for 1 hour or until center is almost set. 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. Yield: 12 servings.