Chai Cheesecake with Pears and Walnuts - The Local Palate

Ingredients

• 2 cups smashed gingersnap cookies (about 28–34 cookies)
• 6 tablespoons butter, melted
• 4 8-ounce boxes cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• ⅔ cup dark brown sugar
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 3¼ teaspoons ground cardamom
• 2½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1½ teaspoons ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 4 large eggs
• 4 large egg yolks
• ⅓ cup tea, brewed dark using 2 teabags of black tea
• 1¼ teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 3 medium-firm pears, Bartlett works well
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup toasted walnuts