Heat oven to 350 degrees. Combine softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar and 1/2 tsp. vanilla, mixing until well blended. Add 1 egg, mix well. Spread onto bottom of pastry shell. Combine canned pumpkin, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 tsp. cinnamon, 1/4 tsp. ginger,1/4 tsp. nutmeg, dash of salt, 1 cup evaporated milk and two eggs slightly beaten, mix well.  Carefully pour over cream cheese mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour and five minutes or until done. Cool; brush with maple syrup and garnish with pecan halves, if desired.