Pumpkin Cognac Cheesecake

-----IRWIN E.SOLOMON JJGF65A----- -----PHILLY.INQUIRER----- -----MARILYNN MARTER----- -----FOR THE CRUST----- 1 1/2 cup Finely crushed graham

Cracker crumbs 1/4 cup Almonds -- ground

2 tablespoon Sugar

1/2 teaspoon Ginger -- ground

1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon

6 tablespoon Unsalted butter -- melted

-----FOR THE FILLING----- 2 pound Cream cheese -- softened

1 1/4 cup Sugar

3 tablespoon Cognac

3 tablespoon Maple syrup

1 teaspoon Ground ginger

1 teaspoon Cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg

4 lg Eggs -- at room temperature

1/4 cup Heavy cream

1 cup Canned pumpkin

-----FOR THE TOPPING----- 1 1/2 cup Sour cream

3 tablespoon Sugar

1 tablespoon Cognac

1 tablespoon Maple syrup

1/2 cup Sliced almonds -- toasted for

Garnish

Generously grease a 10" springform pan with vegetable shortening..

To prepare the crust,thoroughly combine crumbs,ground almonds,sugar, ginger,cinnamon,and melted butter..Press firmly into bottom of the greased springform pan.Set aside.Heat oven to 250 deg..

To prepare filling,beat softened cream cheese smooth in mixer.Gradually add the sugar,beating until light and fluffy.Add cognac,maple syrup,ginger,cinnamon and nut meg.Blend well.Add eggs one at a time.Beat well after each addition.Add cream and pumpkin.Mix well.Pour filling into unbaked crust,and smooth the top.Bake for two hours,until soft but firm.Shake pan slightly.Cake should not wiggle.Remove and let cool on a rack for 30 minutes.After 20 minutes,heat oven to 350 deg.

To prepare topping.combine sour cream,sugar,cognac and maple syrup.Mix thoroughly.Spread topping on cooled cheesecake.Return assembled cheesecake to oven for 7 minutes.Remove and let cheesecake cool on a rack for at least 4 hours at room temperature before removing sides of springform pan. Garnish outer edge of cake with toasted almond slices.To serve,slice cheesecake with warm knife.Makes 12 or more servings..... Your Link To The Philly.Inquirer Irwin