Cranberry Cheesecake

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup sugar (for cranberry topping)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar. Press mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until just combined.
5. Stir in sour cream until fully incorporated.
6. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the springform pan.
7. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is set and only slightly jiggly.
8. While the cheesecake is baking, prepare the cranberry topping. In a saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, and 1/2 cup sugar over medium heat. Cook until cranberries burst and sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.
9. Remove cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
10. Once chilled, spread the cranberry topping over the cheesecake before serving.