Make the crust: Combine the ground walnuts, graham cracker crumbs, and melted butter. Press the bottom and 1 inch up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan.

Make the filling: Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.

Cream the cheese with sugar and vanilla. Add eggs gradually, beating until smooth. Stir in walnuts.

Pour into crusts and bake for 1 1/2 hours, until barely set. Cool inpan on rack. (May be prepared up to 48 hours in advance if covered and refrigerated) Make the sauce: Heat the sugar and butter over medium high heat, stirring until smooth. Whisk in cream.

Boil, whisking, about 5 minutes, until sugar barely begins to caramelize. Add walnuts. Cool to lukewarm.

Slice cheesecake, top with sauce and garnish with walnut halves.

carb, 72g fat (68%), 219g fiber, 225mg chol, 468mg sodium