Christmas Eggnog Cheesecake
Grrrrrgh!
Course : Christmas
From: HungryMonster.com
Serves: 12
 

Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
1 1/2     cups          finely crushed vanilla wafers (36 to 40)
1/8       teaspoon      ground nutmeg
1/4       cup           butter (no substitutes), melted
16        ounces        cream cheese, softened
1/2       cup           sugar
2         teaspoons     cornstarch
1         teaspoon      vanilla
1/2       teaspoon      ground nutmeg
3                       eggs
3/4       cup           dairy eggnog or reduced-fat dairy eggnog
2         tablespoons   brandy or rum
12        ounces        sweet cherry preserves
1         cup           cranberries
1         tablespoon    brandy or rum
                        Orange peel curls (optional)
 

Preparation:

For Crust: Combine crushed vanilla wafers and the 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg. Stir in melted butter. Press crumb mixture onto the bottom and about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 inches up the sides of an 8-inch springform pan; set aside. For Filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, and the 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed till combined. Add eggs all at once, beating on low speed just till combined. Stir in eggnog and the 2 tablespoons brandy or rum. Pour filling into crust-lined pan. Place ina shallow baking pan in oven. Bake in a 350 F oven for 1 hour or till center appears nearly set when shaken. Cool in pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Loosen the crust from the sides of the pan and cool 30 minutes more. Remove the sides of the pan; cool cheesecake completely. Meanwhile, cook and stir cherry preserves and cranberries in a small saucepan over medium heat till preserves are melted and cranberries just start to pop. Remove from heat. Stir in the 1 tablespoon brandy or rum; let cool for 10 minutes. Spoon over the prepared cheesecake. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving. To serve, garnish with orange peel curls, if desired.