Caramel Macchiato Cheesecake

Alright, I've been inspired to post a few other cheesecake recipes. I plan to make one for Christmas Eve, so now I will have a few recipes to choose from. All are at the top of my list, to it will be a tough decision. This one might win out, though (it comes from allrecipes.com). I think I would serve this drizzled with caramel sauce and whipped cream.....and maybe even swirl  some melted chocolate into the batter. YUM! Enjoy!

Caramel Macchiato Cheesecake

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 (8 ounce) container sour cream
• 1/4 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Caramel Sauce

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly coat a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar until well combined. Press into the bottom of the prepared springform pan, and 1 inch up the sides. Bake in preheated oven for 8 minutes, then remove to cool on a wire rack.
3. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
4. Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl with an electric mixer until fluffy. Gradually add 1 cup of sugar, beating until blended. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in sour cream, espresso and vanilla. Pour batter into the baked and cooled crust.
5. Bake cheesecake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 5 minutes; then turn the oven off, partially open the door and allow the cheesecake to rest for 15 minutes more. Remove from the oven, and run a knife around the edges. Cool cheesecake on a wire rack to room temperature, then cover the springform pan with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 8 hours. ENJOY!

**Tips for baking cheesecake: In order to prevent your cheesecake from cracking, bake it in a waterbath. Wrap the bottom of your pan in tinfoil, then place on a cookie sheet or shallow roasting pan. Add a layer of water to sheet/pan, and bake. When finished baking, allow cheesecake to sit in oven for at least an hour before removing. Enjoy!**