Susan's Favorite Cheesecake

1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup melted butter or margarine
2 cups sugar, divided
3 eggs
3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
6 Tablespoons milk
2 (8-ounce) cartons commercial sour cream
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
1 can cherry pie filling (optional)

Preheat oven to 350º F.

Combine graham cracker crumbs, butter and ½ cup sugar. Press into a 10-inch springform pan; set aside.

Beat eggs and 1 cup sugar until thick. Blend in cream cheese; add milk and beat until very smooth. Pour into prepared crust. Bake for 45 minutes; Turn off oven; leave cake in oven 30 more minutes. Remove and cool at least 30 minutes.

Increase oven tempe rature to 450° F. Combine sour cream, vanilla and remaining ½ cup sugar; mix well. Spread over cheesecake. Bake for 10 minutes. Cool. If desired, garnish each serving with cherry pie filling. Yield: 12 to 15 servings.