Dutch Apple Brandy Cheesecake **** 11/94

Categories:
desserts

----CINNAMON CRUST----
1 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup ground walnuts or pecans
1/3 cup butter; melted
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon ----CRUMB TOPPING----
3/4 cup brown sugar; packed
3/4 cup all purpose flour
1/3 cup butter; melted
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg ----CHEESECAKE----
4 8 oz. cream cheese; softened
1 cup sugar
3 tablespoon apple brandy
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
4 eggs
1 cup chunk style applesauce
1/4 cup whipping cream

For the cinnamon crust, combine all ingredients. Press on bottom and 1 1/2 inches up the sides of a spring form pan. Bake at 350 for about ten minutes; cool. For the cheesecake, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the sugar, beating well. Add brandy, cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg; blend well. Add eggs one at a time, beating just till combined. Stir in applesauce and cream. Pour into cooled crust. Bake at 350 for about an hour or until center appears nearly set. Combine all crumb topping ingredients until crumbly. Sprinkle over the cake and bake about ten minutes more or until cake is just set. Cool five minutes on a wire rack. Loosen sides of cake. Cool 30 minutes. Remove sides of pan. Cover and chill thoroughly.

Yield: 16 servings