PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE WITH CRANBERRY TOPPING

Steps:

• Pastry: Using a food processor, grind almonds.
• Add 1/2 cup of the flour and process until fine.
• Place almond mixture in a bowl.
• Using the processor, cream the butter and powdered sugar.
• Add in egg and vanilla and process.
• Add in remaining flour, the almond mixture and salt, and pulse until a soft dough forms.
• Pat the pastry into a round shape and refrigerate for about an hour, or until firm.
• Preheat oven to 325ºF.
• Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface.
• The pastry should be about a 14 inch round and about 1/4 inch thick.
• Place pastry in a 11 1/2 inch fluted tart pan, with a removable bottom.
• Press pastry into pan, folding excess back into pan and pressing into sides.
• Parbake the pastry (with a layer of parchment and dried beans) for 25 minutes, then remove the parchment and beans and continue to bake another 10 minutes.
• Cool slightly.
• Make Filling: Using a large bowl, combine cream cheese, brown sugar, spices and salt.
• Beat on medium until smooth, then add pumpkin puree and continue beating until smooth.
• Beat in the cream, syrup, vanilla and eggs on low.
• Place the crust on a baking sheet in the oven, and pour in pumpkin mixture.
• Bake 30-35 minutes until custard is set, though slightly jiggles in the center.
• Cool completely.
• Make Cranberry Topping: Place cranberries in a saucepan with a 1/2 cup of water and cook over medium high heat, until cranberries split.
• Allow to cool.
• Puree until smooth and strain.
• Add sugar and 1/4 cup water to a saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
• Allow to cool.
• Add orange juice and cranberry puree and stir until combined.
• Soften gelatin in 2 tablespoons of water--about 5 minutes.
• Finish melting in the microwave, 10 seconds on high.
• Whisk into the cranberry mixture and pour over the pumkin custard.
• Refrigerate until set-- for at least 1 hour, and up to 2 days.
• Remove outer shell of tart pan and serve.