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1
Preheat oven to 350F.
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2
Blend graham cracker crumbs and sugar in processor until combined.
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3
Gradually add butter and process until moist clumps form.
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4
Press crumbs onto bottom and 1 1/2 inches up sides of 10-inch-diameter springform pan with removable bottom.
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5
Bake until set, about 12 minutes.
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6
Transfer to rack; cool completely.
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7
Place 1/2 cup whipping cream in medium bowl; sprinkle gelatin over.
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8
Let stand 5 minutes.
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9
Combine 1 cup whipping cream and cream cheese in heavy medium saucepan.
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10
Whisk over medium-high heat until mixture is smooth and just beginning to simmer.
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11
Remove from heat.
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12
Add gelatin mixture; whisk to dissolve.
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13
Strain into large bowl.
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14
Let stand 45 minutes to cool.
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15
Combine remaining 1 1/2 cups whipping cream, sour cream, sugar, and vanilla extract in another large bowl.
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16
Scrape in seeds from vanilla bean; reserve bean for another use.
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17
Using electric mixer, beat until mixture thickens and peaks form.
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18
Fold into cream cheese mixture in 3 additions.
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19
Transfer filling to prepared crust.
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20
Cover and chill until set, at least 6 hours and up to 1 day.
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21
Place 1 tablespoon water in small bowl.
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22
Sprinkle gelatin over.
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23
Let stand 5 minutes.
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24
Bring Port, sugar, star anise, cinnamon stick, cloves, and orange peel to boil in heavy large saucepan over high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
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25
Reduce heat to medium and simmer 5 minutes.
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26
Add cranberries and simmer mixture until cranberries begin to pop, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.
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27
Remove from heat.
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28
Stir some of hot cranberry liquid into gelatin mixture in small bowl to melt gelatin; stir gelatin mixture into cranberry mixture in saucepan.
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29
Transfer to medium bowl; refrigerate until cold.
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30
(Can be made 1 day ahead.
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31
Cover and keep refrigerated.)
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32
Just before serving, remove pan sides to release tart.
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33
Cut cheesecake tart into wedges.
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34
Spoon cranberry mixture over each wedge and serve.
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35
A brown star-shaped seedpod that can be found at Asian markets and specialty foods stores, as well as in the spice section of some supermarkets.
