Caramel Pecan Cheesecake

This has quickly become my most favorite holiday recipe. I found it about 2 years ago, but this was my third Thanksgiving to make it. I have made it a tradition to have it at my parent's house for our big family Thanksgiving. Its so yummy and perfect! I will also be making it this week for a dinner party we are having. Don't be intimidated to make a cheesecake, like I was the first time (and so many other people are, I've found out). It truly is as easy as making a cake! :) I found this recipe online somewhere and HATE that I didn't save where I got it. Please forgive me! I'm not stealing a recipe, this is NOT my own...just one that I fell in love with! If I ever find it again, I will definitely come back and give credit where credit is due! Caramel Pecan Cheesecake

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Crust:
2 cups pecans
¼ cup sugar
¼ cup butter

Finely grind nuts and sugar in processor. Add melted butter and blend until moist crumbs form. Press crumb mixture onto bottom of spring-form pan.

Caramel Sauce:
½ cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup heavy cream
1-3 tsp vanilla

In a small sauce pan, melt butter. Add the brown sugar; whisk until combined and thickened (about 2 minutes). Whisk in the whipping cream until thoroughly blended (2 more minutes). Mix in vanilla until combined. Let cool slightly and pour ½ cup onto crust. Save the rest for the top of the cheese cake.

Cheesecake:
4 (8 oz. each) pkg cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1 tbsp vanilla

Using electric mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl until well blended. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating just to combine after each addition. Mix in the vanilla. Pour filling into crust.

Bake until top appears dry and cheesecake moves in center (about a dime size) when pan is shaken, about 1 hour. Turn oven off and leave cheesecake in oven (without opening door) for one hour. Cool, cover and refrigerate overnight. Release pan sides from cheesecake. Pour rest of caramel sauce on top along with a few pecans for decoration. Serve.