Bourbon Pumpkin Cheesecake

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs (from five 4 3/4- by 2 1/4-inch crackers)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups canned solid-pack pumpkin
• Garnish: pecan halves
• 1 tablespoon bourbon liqueur or bourbon (optional)
• 1/2 cup pecans (1 3/4 ounces), finely chopped
• 2 cups sour cream (20 ounces)
• 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar