Santa’s Favorite Cheesecake

Instructions

1. Step 1

   Heat oven to 325°F.

2. Step 2

   Combine graham crumbs, butter and 3 Tbsp. sugar; press onto bottom of 9-inch springform pan.

3. Step 3

   Beat cream cheese, 1 cup sugar and 1 tsp. vanilla in large bowl with mixer until blended. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed after each just until blended. Pour over crust.

4. Step 4

   Bake 55 min. or until center is almost set. Run knife around rim of pan to loosen cake; cool before removing rim. Refrigerate cheesecake 4 hr.

5. Step 5

   Meanwhile, combine cranberries, orange juice and remaining sugar and vanilla in medium saucepan. Bring to boil over medium heat, stirring constantly; cook and stir 1 min. or until sugar is dissolved. Simmer over medium-low heat 6 to 8 min. or until cranberries are softened, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, dissolve cornstarch in water. Add to cranberry mixture; mix well. Cook 30 sec. to 1 min. or until slightly thickened, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in orange zest. Refrigerate until ready to use.

6. Step 6

   Spoon cranberry topping over slices of cheesecake just before serving.