SPICED CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Oven to 325 degrees F.
• Wrap the bottom of the springform pan tightly in foil.
• CRUST: Finely grind the nuts and sugar in a food processor- be careful- don't overprocess.
• Just until the nuts are in very, very small pieces, not a paste!
• Turn out into a bowl, add the melted butter and mix until it comes together.
• Press the mixture into the bottom of the pan and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until it looks"dry".
• Cool to room temperature.
• FILLING: In your mixer bowl, combine the cream cheese, mascarpone and sugar.
• Using the paddle attachment on med-low speed, beat just until smooth.
• Add the remaining ingredients and mix on low speed until well combined.
• Pour the filling over the crust.
• Place the cheesecake in the larger pan, and place that pan on the middle rack of your oven.
• Pour water into the baking pan until it comes half-way up the sides of your springform pan.
• Bake until the sides of the cheesecake are set, but the center is still a little jiggly (like fresh jello).
• This should take about 45-55 minutes.
• Do not overbake!
• Don't worry about the jiggle- the cake will firm up while chilling.
• Carefully remove the cheesecake from the larger pan, and run a very thin knife around the edge of the pan to prevent the cake from sticking to the sides.
• Let cool completely to room temperature, then refrigerate for several hours, or overnight before serving.
• NOTE: This cheesecake freezes very well for several months if you wrap it tightly in a double layer of plastic wrap.
• It is best if if made the day before you serve it.