Sausage and Pepper Cheesecake

Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray. In small bowl, mix crackers and butter until blended. Press in bottom of pan. Bake 8 minutes or until golden brown. Reduce oven temperature to 300°F.

Meanwhile, heat 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and diced bell peppers; cook until sausage is no longer pink. Drain; set aside.

In large bowl, beat cream cheese with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add whipping cream, salt and eggs; beat on low speed just until smooth. Stir in cheese and sausage and pepper mixture. Pour over crust; smooth top.

Bake 50 minutes or until center is almost set. Turn oven off; open oven door at least 4 inches. Let cheesecake remain in oven 30 minutes. Run knife around edge of pan to loosen cheesecake. Cool in pan on cooling rack 30 minutes. Refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight.

To serve, run small metal spatula around edge of pan; carefully remove side and bottom of pan. Place cheesecake on serving platter. Cut into wedges. Garnish with mini peppers.