MAKE AHEAD
If you are making sugared cranberries or candied orange slices, feel free to make them 1-2 days ahead of time and simply store in a covered container in the fridge.
Cranberry Layer: (Can also be made several days in advance. It will thicken in the fridge from the natural pectin. Simply add a small amount of hot water while stirring to thin back to sauce consistency.) To make cranberry layer, place berries, sugar, orange juice, water, and spices in an 8x8 pan. Stir together and then bake at 350 for 45 minutes. Let cool until warm and then place in blender or food processor and process until semi-smooth (or very smooth, if you prefer). Set aside or store in fridge.
PREP
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place a 9 or 10 inch springform pan on a double layer of heavy duty foil. Wrap the foil up around the sides of the pan and set aside.
ASSEMBLE CHEESECAKE
Combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar and spices in a bowl and stir with a fork. Add melted butter and stir until it is all incorporated. Press into a 9 or 10 inch cheesecake springform pan. Press down to flatten crust on the bottom of pan, and about 1-inch up the sides. Set aside.
Cheesecake: For best success, make sure all ingredients are at room temperature.
Beat cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Add vanilla and zest and beat to combine. Add sour cream and beat until incorporated. Pour batter into prepared crust and spread into an even layer.
Dollop cranberry sauce over cheesecake and very gently spread out with a spoon into an even layer on top. Using a butter knife, swirl through the top of the cheesecake, swirling the cranberry and cheeecake layers together.
Place foil-wrapped pan in a larger roasting pan and place in oven. Use a tea kettle or microwave-save liquid measuring container to pour hot (or boiling) water into the roasting pan, so it surrounds the cheesecake pan about half way up the sides of the pan. Bake for about 1 hour. Cheesecake should be firm, yet slightly jiggly (think Jell-O) when wiggled or gently shaken. When done, turn off oven heat, crack door, and let cheesecake sit for about 30 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely. Refrigerate overnight before serving.
DECORATE
Spread whipped cream on top to cover about 1/4 inch on top and then pipe decoratively around edges. (You can certainly just spread it all on top if you prefer.) Decorate with sugared cranberries and candied oranges and graciously accept all praise when served. ;)