To make the crust : Place the butter in a small saucepan and melt
over moderate heatbsp Mix the graham cracker crumbs, gingersnaps, brown sugar
and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Add the melted butter and mix together with
a fork. Line bottom and side of 10" springform pan with parchment or wax paper.
Spray with nonstick pan spray. Press the crumb mixture into the bottom.
For filling : Pour the heavy cream into a medium bowl and beat just
until soft peaks form. Refrigerate. Beat the cream cheese (in large bowl)
with an electric mixer until fluffy. Gradually add the sugar, beating well.
Add the eggs one at a time, and beat the mixture until it is fluffy and pale.
Stir in the pumpkin, cinnamon, ginger and cloves. Remove the whipped cream
from the refrigerator and whisk lightly to re-blend. Using a spatula or flat
spoon, fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese-pumpkin mixture. Pour
the mixture into the prepared crustbsp Wrap one continuous sheet of aluminum
foil around the springform pan and press firmly. Put wrapped pan in a baking
pan and fill with hot water halfway up the spring from pan.
Bake for 60 to 70 minutes.
Cool the cheesecake to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3
hours to chill thoroughly.
Remove the sides of the springform pan. Just before serving, place the pecan
halves on top of the cheesecake, in a ring around the edges, to garnish.