PECAN-PRALINE CHEESECAKE WITH CARAMEL SAUCE

Steps:

• PREPARE THE CRUST::
• Preheat the oven to 375°F.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper & wrap the outside of a 10-inch round springform pan with foil.
• In a medium bowl, toss the pecans with 1/2 teaspoon of the butter, 1/2 tablespoon of the granulated sugar, the brown sugar, the cream and salt.
• Spread the nuts on the prepared baking sheet and arrange them, right side up in a single layer.
• Bake for about 18 minutes, until the sugar is caramelized and the pecans are toasted; let cool.
• Transfer all but 12 of the pecans to a food processor.
• Add the graham crackers and pulse until finely ground.
• Add the remaining stick of melted butter and 1/3 cup of granulated sugar and pulse until the crumbs are moistened.
• Press the crumbs over the bottom of the pan and two-thirds of the way up the side of the prepared springform pan.
• PREPARE THE FILLING:.
• In a clean food processor, pulse the cream cheese with the sugar until smooth.
• Add the eggs, one at a time, and pulse until incorporated.
• Scrape down the side of the bowl.
• Pulse in the vanilla and sour cream.
• Scrape the batter into the pan and bake in the center of the oven for about 1 hour, until the top of the cheesecake is lightly golden in spots and the center is slightly jiggly.
• Transfer the cake to a rack and let cool completely.
• Wrap in plastic and refrigerate overnight.
• Unwrap the cheesecake and discard the foil.
• Remove the ring and transfer the cake to a plate.
• Arrange the 12 reserved pecans on top.
• Using a warm, slightly moistened knife, cut the cake into wedges, wiping and rewetting the blade between slices.
• Transfer the slices to plates and pour some of the Caramel Sauce on top.
• Serve with the remaining Caramel Sauce.
• *The cheesecake can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
• PREPARE THE CARAMEL SAUCE:.
• In a medium saucepan, combine the butter with all three sugars and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
• Cook over moderately high heat for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
• Add the cream and boil for 2 minutes longer.
• Transfer the caramel sauce to a pitcher.
• Stir in the vanilla and salt and refrigerate until cold, at least 2 hours.
• **The caramel can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.
• Whisk to combine before serving.