Apple and Maple Caramel Cheesecake

Add 3 tablespoons of butter to a medium saute pan and heat over medium-high. When the butter has melted, add the apple slices. After the apples have softened (about 10 minutes), add the tablespoons of brown sugar and cook for another minute. Remove from heat and set aside.

For the Caramel:
In a small pot, add the 1/2 cup of sugar, corn syrup, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil. Without stirring, cook until the sugar becomes a golden amber color. Remove from heat and add the heavy cream while whisking. The mixture may foam some. Stir in the maple syrup. Set the caramel aside.

For the Crust:
Add the shortbread, pecans, and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar to a food processor. Using short pulses, chop the mixture until uniform in texture (similar to corn meal) and well combined. Pour the mixture into a bowl and stir in the melted butter. Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of a 10 inch springform pan.

For the Filling:
Using a stand or hand mixer, cream together the cream cheese and condensed milk. Add the eggs one at a time, blending well after each one. Mix in the cinnamon and Calvados. Fold in the apple slices.

Pour the mixture into the prepared springform pan. Place pan on a cookie sheet and place into oven. Bake until cheesecake becomes firm and pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. Place cheesecake in refrigerator and let cool completely before removing from pan, at least 3 hours.

When cheesecake has completely cooled and been removed from the pan, pour caramel sauce over the top to form a single layer. You can also choose to add the caramel to individual servings.