Basic Cheesecake

1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup margarine, melted
1 1/4 cup sugar, divided
3 pkg cream cheese, softened (8 oz each pkg)
2 tsp vanilla extract
3 eggs
1 cup dairy sour cream
1 can cherry pie filling (optional) (21 oz can)

In bowl, combine crumbs, margarine, and 1/4 cup sugar. Press on bottom and 1 1/2 inches up side of 8 or 9 inch springform pan; set aside.

In bowl, with electric mixer at high speed, beat cream cheese, remaining sugar, and vanilla until creamy. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Blend in sour cream. Spread in prepared pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 60 to 70 minutes, or until center is set. Turn off oven. Leaving door slightly ajar, leave cheesecake in oven 1 hour.

Remove from oven; cool completely. Chill 4 hours or overnight. Remove side of pan; Top with cherry pie filling if desired.