16 oz fresh cranberries

1 cup white granulated sugar

1/2 Tbsp vanilla extract

Crust:

1½ cups graham cracker crumbs

¼ cup brown sugar

5 Tbsp butter melted

1 tsp vanilla extract

Cheesecake Filling:

24 oz cream cheese softened

¾ cup heavy whipping cream

2 Tbsp sour cream

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 Tbsp corn starch

½ cup white granulated sugar

1 vanilla bean

White Chocolate Mousse:

8 oz baking white chocolate bars (2-4 oz bars)

8 oz cream cheese softened

8 oz whipped topping like COOL Whip

Candied Cranberries: (Optional)

8 oz fresh cranberries

1 1/2 cups water

1 1/2 cups sugar

1/2 cup sugar or super fine sugar

Combine water and 1 1/2 cups of sugar in a sauce pot, over medium heat. Heat the mixture until sugar is all dissolved, while stirring slowly. Take off heat.

Let the mixture cool a bit before adding cranberries. Add cranberries, stir, cover and refrigerate overnight.

Drain cranberries in a colander.

Add 1/2 cup of sugar to a shallow bowl and coat cranberries is sugar. Set aside until ready to decorate.

In a sauce pot, over medium heat, combine cranberries, sugar and vanilla extract. Mix well cook cranberries stirring often. Cook for 12-15 minutes. Take off heat and let it cool completely.

Preheat the oven to 325°F and grease a 9 inch springform pan. You will need a large roasting pan that’s bigger and longer than the springform pan. (I use the aluminum foil disposable ones). If you are not sure about your springform holding up in water, you can wrap the outside of the springform pan in heavy duty aluminum foil from bottom up to the sides. (I recommend wrapping the outside of the springform in foil before adding the crust and cheesecake batter.)

Mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and vanilla. Stir very well, until all incorporated. Press graham cracker mixture into the pan, evenly, all over the bottom and about half way up the side.

Spread half of the cranberry jam over the crust.

Start beating cream cheese and sugar on medium-high speed until smooth, about 2 minutes.

Add vanilla extract, and sour cream. Mix until combined.

Add eggs, one at the time, beating after each addition. Scrape sides and bottom of the bowl and beat until all incorporated.