I am going to try to make the New York Cheesecake. I am not a good cook, so excuse the odd questions here.

The nuts:

Do I chop 2 cups of "whole" nuts or measure "2 cups" of "ground nuts"?
I know, dumb question. Also, I may have to use another type of nuts. What do you suggest? I am going to the grocery store today.


The sugar:

I have a new box of splenda packets. Can I just use those? Does the granular Splenda measure the same as packet Splenda? I thought someone on this website said it is different. I have the same question for the white and brown sugar twin. Oh, is lemon juice concentrate ok?

Anyone's help on this would be great! I am trying to make this for someone's birthday and I want it to be "perfect".

Thank you !!