Ingredients:
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/2 cup whipping cream
1/3 cup butter, softened
2 tbsp. bourbon or amber colored rum
3 cups walnut pieces
1 cup granulated sugar, divided
3 tbsp. melted butter
3 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
3 eggs
1/4 cup bourbon or amber rum
1 cup toasted walnut halves
Instructions:
In small saucepan, combine brown sugar, whipping cream and butter. Bring to boil over medium-high heat; boil for 3 minutes. Remove 1/3 cup of the sauce; refrigerate until chilled. To remaining sauce add 2 tbsp. bourbon (or rum, if using); set aside.
Combine walnut pieces and 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar in food processor; pulse until it resembles coarse crumbs (do not overprocess). Transfer to medium bowl and stir in melted butter.
Using back of spoon press nut mixture into bottom and half-way up sides of 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan. Bake in 325 degree F (160 C) oven for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, beat cream cheese with remaining 3/4 cup granulated sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating just until blended. Stir in 1/4 cup bourbon (or rum, if using). Pour cream cheese mixture into nut crust. Drizzle the 1/3 cup chilled sauce on top; gently swirl with knife.
Return cake to 325 degree F (160 C) oven; bake for 1 hour. Turn oven off; leave cheesecake in oven without opening door for another hour (prevents cake from cracking in center). Cool on wire rack; cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
Just before serving, gently warm bourbon sauce; stir in toasted walnut halves. To serve, spoon sauce over slices of cheesecake.
Makes 12 servings.
Source: Internet
Date: July 27, 2004