Pumpkin Cheesecake with Pecan Praline Sauce

Directions

1. To make the crust, in a medium bowl, mix the Graham cracker crumbs together with the melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon until the crumbs are thoroughly moistened. Butter a 9-inch springform pan then press the crumbs evenly across the bottom of the pan. Refrigerate until ready to bake. 2. Preheat the oven to 350ºF . Bake the crust until it feels set in the center, 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack. Turn the oven down to 325ºF . 3. To make the filling, in the bowl of stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment , beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and lemon zest, until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, stopping the mixer between each addition to scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl, then add the pumpkin puree, sour cream, cornstarch or flour, and vanilla extract, along with the spices and salt. 4. Line the outside bottom of the springform pan with foil so it reaches all the way up to the top of the outside of the pan. If you have to use several pieces, I recommend triple-wrapping it to prevent leaking or water getting in the cake pan. Scrape the mixture into the prepared springform pan and smooth the top. Place the cheesecake in a larger pan, such as a roasting pan, then add very warm water to the larger pan until it reaches halfway up the outside of the cake pan. 5. Bake the cheesecake in the oven until the center feels just slightly set, about 1 hour, to 1 hour and 15 minutes. Remove the cake from the oven and let sit in the water bath for 30 minutes, then remove the cake from the water bath and let cool completely. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving. 6. Make the pecan praline sauce by heating the brown sugar, cream, butter, maple syrup and salt in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, until it comes to a boil, stirring frequently. Let boil for 1 minute without stirring. Remove from heat and add the bourbon, pecans, and vanilla.