1 2/3 c. graham cracker crumbs
1/3 c. butter, melted

Combine crumbs and butter, stirring well. Firmly press mixture evenly on bottom and 1" up side of a 10" springform pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 5 minutes.

VARIATIONS: PRALINE CHEESECAKE: Substitute dark brown sugar for white sugar. Saute 1 cup chopped pecans in 3 tablespoons melted butter. Drain pecans on a paper towel. Fold into cheesecake mixture when vanilla is added. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Garnish with toasted pecans if desired.

CHOCOLATE MARBLE CHEESECAKE: Prepare basic cheesecake mixture and divide into half. Stir 6 ounces melted semi sweet chocolate into half of cheesecake mixture. Pour 1/2 of plain mixture into prepared crust and top with 1/2 of chocolate mixture. Repeat layers. Gently swirl batter with knife to make a marble effect. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes and follow same directions as above.