Shelly's Recipe

PECAN CHEESECAKE

Category: Cheesecake

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
2 tbsp sugar
1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp butter, melted
5 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, softened
5 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup chopped pecans

Garnish
Whipped topping
Additional chopped pecans, for sides of cheesecake
Pecan halves

Combine first 3 ingredients and press into the bottom of a 10 inch springform pan; chill. Beat cream cheese until light and fluffy; gradually add brown sugar; mix well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and 1 cup chopped pecans. Spoon into prepared pan. Bake at 325 for 1 hour. Turn oven off; allow cheesecake to cool in oven for 30 minutes. Let cool to room temperature; refrigerate for 8 hours. Remove sides from pan. Garnish.