Cranberry Cheesecake

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Prepare a 9-inch spring form pan by wrapping the outside with heavy-duty aluminum foil. For the best results, double or triple the foil layer to ensure no water leaks into the pan. Bring a large pot of water to boil on the stove.
2. Combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Add the crust mixture to the springform pan and use a cup or flat-bottomed glass to press the crust into an even layer and about 1 inch up the sides.
3. Bake for 8-10 minutes, remove from oven and allow to cool completely.

Cranberry Swirl

1. While the crust is in the oven, make the cranberry sauce. Add cranberries, sugar, and water to a saucepan. Cook until cranberries begin to pop and sauce thickens, about 8-10 minutes. Use an immersion blender to blend the cranberry mixture smoothly. Set aside to cool completely.

Cheesecake Filling

1. To a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, add cream cheese and sugar, beating on medium-low speed until smooth. Add sour cream, vanilla, and salt, and continue to mix on low speed until fully incorporated.
2. Add eggs one at a time, beating on low speed between each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl as you go. Mix until just combined.
3. Pour half the cheesecake mixture into the baked crust. Add spoonfuls of the cranberry sauce and swirl into the cheesecake filling with a knife or toothpick. Top with the remaining cheesecake batter and the remaining cranberry sauce, and swirl again.
4. Tap the pan on a flat surface to remove any air bubbles. Place in a large roasting pan and carefully pour the boiling water ½ the way up the springform pan.
5. Bake for 55 minutes or until the edges are set, and the center is slightly jiggly.
6. Turn the oven off and open the door, allowing it to slowly cool down for about 1 hour. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
7. Gently run a knife around the edges of the pan and carefully release the ring of your springform pan.