Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake

Ingredients

 * 1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
 * 1/4 cup Sugar
 * 1/4 cup margarine or butter, melted
 * 3 x (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
 * 1 x (14-ounce) can Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk (NOT evaporated milk)
 * 1 x (15-ounce) can pumpkin (2 cups)
 * 3 eggs
 * 1/4 cup maple syrup
 * 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
 * 1 tsp ground nutmeg
 * 1/2 tsp salt
 * Maple pecan Glaze
 * whipped cream and pecan halves, optional

Directions

 * 1) Preheat oven to 325º.
 * 2) Combine graham cracker crumbs, Sugar and butter; press firmly on bottom of 9-inch springform pan.
 * 3) With mixer, beat cream cheese until fluffy.
 * 4) Add pumpkin, eggs, syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt; mix well.
 * 5) Pour into prepared pan.
 * 6) Bake 1 1/4 hours or until center appears nearly set when shaken.
 * 7) Cool 1 hour. Cover and chill at least 4 hours.
 * 8) To serve, spoon some Maple pecan Sauce over cheesecake.
 * 9) Garnish with whipped cream and pecans if desired.
 * 10) Pass remaining sauce.
 * 11) Store leftovers covered in refrigerator.

Maple pecan Glaze

 * 1) In medium-sized saucepan, combine 1 cup (1/2pint) whipping cream 3/4 cup pure maple syrup bring to a boil.
 * 2) Boil rapidly 15 to 20 minutes or until slightly thickened; stir occasionally.
 * 3) Stir in 1/2 cup chopped pecans.
 * 4) Cover and chill until served.
 * 5) Stir before servings.