I soaked 2 tea towels in hot water and then surrounded the cheesecake pan(wrapped in foil and placed on cookie sheet) with the towels. started the oven at 375 for about 10 minutes, then turned down to 325 and baked for a total of 1 1/2 hours. no cracks at all and it looks perfect. the recipe calls for a 9 in pan, but I used a 10 inch---too much filling for 9 inch in my opinion. I used 1 package of Anna's Ginger crisps plus about 4 graham crackers to make a bit more crust. I'll update about the taste after Thurs---just wanted to share the method. I think I'll make some sugared pecans and serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream and pecans.http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/patrick-and-gina-neely/ginas-pumpkin-cheesecake-recipe/index.html