PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE WITH CARAMEL RUM SAUCE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 300 degrees. Spray 9" springform pan with cooking spray. Wrap foil around pan to catch drips.
• In a small bowl, mix crust ingredients. Press mixture in bottom and 1 inch up side of pan.
• Bake 8-10 minutes or until set. Cool 5 minute.
• To minimize cracking of the cheesecake, place shallow pan half full of hot water on lower oven rack.
• For the filling, beat cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.
• Beat in eggs, one at a time, just until blended.
• Spoon 3 cups of the mixture onto crust; spread evenly.
• To remaining cream cheese mixture, add pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice and cardamom. Mix with wire whisk until smooth.
• Spoon over mixture in pan.
• Bake 1 hour 15 min.to 1 hour 25 min.or until edge of cheesecake is pulled away from edge of pan, but center of cheesecake still jiggles lightly when moved.
• Turn oven off; open oven door at least 4 inches.
• Let cheesecake remain in oven for 30 minutes.
• Cool in pan on cooling rack for 30 minutes.
• Cover loosely, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, no longer than 24 hours.
• For the sauce, melt the butter over low heat. Add the sugars and heat slowly to combine well. Very important not to let this sauce boil.
• Remove from heat, and stir in the evaporated milk.
• Let cool, and stir in the rum.
• Just before serving, run small metal spatula around edge of pan: carefully remove side of pan.
• Top individual slices with warm sauce and whipped cream if desired.
• Store cheesecake in the refrigerator.