Instructions: Combine first 3 ingredients, mixing well. Press into bottom of 10-inch springform pan; chill. Beat cream cheese with electric mixer until light and fluffy; gradually add brown sugar, mixing 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 30 minutes. Let cool to room temperature; refrigerate 8 hours. Remove sides of springform pan. If desired, garnish with whipped cream, top with additional chopped pecans and pecan halves, and gently press additional chipped pecans onto sides of cake.

Yield: 12 servings.

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