CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE

Ingredients:

  • 1-1/4 cups chocolate wafer crumbs
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 8 (1 ounce) squares semi-sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
  • 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons coffee-flavored liqueur
  • 1-teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-1/2 cups sour cream

Method:

  1. In a small mixing bowl, combine chocolate wafer crumbs and butter. Stir well and press into the bottom and 1-inch up the sides of a 9-inch spring form pan. Chill.
  2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  3. In a 4-cup glass measure, place chocolate squares. Microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes until melted.
  4. In a medium mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, melted chocolate, coffee-flavored liqueur and vanilla until mixture is smooth. Fold in sour cream and pour mixture into prepared crust.
  5. Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes until center is nearly set. Turn off oven and let cheesecake stand in oven for 30 minutes with door ajar. Remove and cool on a wire rack.
  6. Cover and chill at least 8 hours. Garnish with chocolate leaves, if desired.
  7. To make chocolate leaves: Microwave 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips at high power for 30 seconds to 1 minute until melted. Brush chocolate onto individual leaves. Chill until set and carefully peel leaves away and arrange on cheesecake.