Eggnog Cheesecake Bars

(Courtesy of Midwest Living)

Ingredients:
1 c. graham cracker crumbs
3 Tbsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
3 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
12 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/3 c. sugar
1 egg
3/4 c. eggnog 
1 Tbsp. bourbon (optional)
Graham cracker crumbs and/or crystallized ginger (optional)

Directions:
For crust: combine graham cracker crumbs, 3 Tbsp. sugar, ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg in a medium bowl.  Mix in the melted butter with a fork.  Transfer crumb mixture to a 8x8 baking pan lined with foil or parchment paper.  Press flat and even.  Bake in a 375 degree oven for 5 minutes.  Remove from oven; reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees.

For filling: in a large bowl, beat the cream cheese on medium-high speed until smooth, about 1 minute.  Add 1/3 c. sugar, beat 1 minute more.  Add egg, beat until smooth.  Add eggnog and, if desired, bourbon.  Beat on medium speed 1 minute more, until mixture is light and smooth.

Pour filling over crust in pan.  Bake for 28-30 minutes or until center is just set.  Cool in pan on wire rack for 1 hour.  Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving.  If you like, garnish with graham cracker crumbs and/or chopped crystallized ginger.

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