Apple Pie Cheesecake in a Ginger Crust

Crust:
10 ounces dry gingersnap cookies
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Filling:
3 tablespoons butter
4 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and roughly chopped
3 Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored and roughly chopped
1/2 cup raisins
16 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
4 eggs
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated

For the crust: Pulse cookies, sugar and melted butter in a food processor to a uniform, mealy consistency. Press into a lightly greased 9-inch springform pan. Chill while making the filling.

Filling: Heat oven to 325 degrees F.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, add the butter, apples and raisins. Stir frequently for 10 minutes.

In a food processor, puree the cream cheese, eggs, milk, sugar and spices. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add the cooked apples. Stir to combine.

Pour the filling into the crust and bake until the center of the cheesecake registers 150 degrees on an instant-read thermometer, about 40 to 45 minutes.

Cool on a rack for 1 hour before releasing the pan's spring and removing the collar. Cool another hour, then transfer to a serving plate.

Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Makes 8 to 10 servings.

Approximate values per serving: 815 calories, 46 g fat, 214 mg cholesterol, 14 g protein, 90 g carbohydrates, 3 g fiber, 539 mg sodium, 50 percent calories from fat