Eggnog Cheesecake Bars

For the crust, combine the 1 cup graham cracker crumbs, 3 tablespoons sugar, ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg in a medium bowl. Stir in the melted butter with a fork until evenly combined. Transfer the crumb mixture to an 8x8x2-inch baking pan lined with foil or parchment paper. Press crumb mixture down flat in an even layer. Bake in a 375° oven for 5 minutes. Remove from oven and reduce oven temperature to 325°F.

For the filling, in a large mixer bowl, beat cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until smooth, about 1 minute. Add 1/3 cup sugar and beat 1 minute more. Add egg; beat until smooth. Add the egg and bourbon, if desired; beat on medium speed 1 minute more, until the mixture is light and no lumps remain.

Pour the filling over the crust in the baking pan. Bake for 28 to 30 minutes or until the center is just set. Cool in pan on wire rack for 1 hour. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving. If you like, garnish bars with graham cracker crumbs and/or crystallized ginger.