Authentic New York Style Cheesecake

Ingredients

1 1/2 cup shortbread cookie crumbs (about 26 1 1/2 inch cookies)
1/4 cup finely chopped pecans
2 Tbsp sugar
1/4 cup butter
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon peel
1 tsp vanilla

Instructions

In small bowl, combine cookie crumbs, pecans, and sugar. Drizzle melted butter over crumbs; stir to combine. Press into 10- inch deep dish pie plate or 8 inch springform pan. Chill for 30 minutes. In large mixer bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add eggs and blend until smooth. Stir in remaining ingredients. Pour into chilled crust. Bake in 300 F oven for 40-50 minutes, or until outer edges are firm but center still moves slightly. Cool on wire rack for 1 hour; remove sides of pan. Cover and refrigerate. 8 servings