Autumn Cheesecake

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 cup margarine, melted

16 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 cups thin peeled apple slices

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 cup chopped pecans

Combine crumbs, 3 tablespoons sugar, cinnamon and margarine; press onto bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes.

Combine cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar, mixing at medium speed of electric mixer until well blended. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in vanilla extract; pour over crust. Toss apples with combined 1/3 cup sugar and cinnamon. Spoon apple mixture over cream cheese layer. Sprinkle with pecans. Bake at 350 degrees F for 1 hour and 10 minutes. Loosen cake from rim of pan; cool before removing rim of pan. Chill.

Variation Add 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans with crumbs for crust. Continue as directed.