Instructions: Prepare 9" springform pan (butter sides and bottom). Combine graham or vanilla wafer crumbs, walnuts, melted butter and press up sides and on bottom of pan. Chill. In large bowl, beat cream cheese until light.

Gradually add sugar, flour and spices. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time, blending well. Add pumpkin puree and blend well. Pour batter into chilled pan and bake in center of oven at 325 F for 90 minutes. Turn off heat and let cake stand for 30 min. with door open. Cool on rack and then chill for 2 hours and top with praline. Serve with whipped cream.

NOTES : nutty Praline Topping: In a small saucepan, combine sugar and cream. Over medium heat, cook and stir until sugar dissolves. Simmer 5 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in nuts. Keep stirring until praline becomes less molten ans a bit stiffl-then pour onto chilled cheesecake.

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