Caramelized Apple Ginger Cheesecake

Name: Caramelized Apple Ginger Cheesecake
Ingredients: 3/4 cup ginger snap cookie crumbs; 2 tablespoons chopped toasted pecans, plus additional toasted pecan halves for garnish, if desired; 15 tablespoons granulated sugar; 5 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for pan; 2 large, tart apples, Granny Smith or similar, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice; 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger root; Kosher salt or fine sea salt; 16 ounces Philadelphia Brand cream cheese, regular or Neufchatel; 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 2 large eggs