Source: CCTV.com

02-06-2009 17:32

Heavenly Valentine's Day Chocolate Cheesecake

Ingredients :

Cakes, Cheesecake

2 c Vanilla Wafers, Fine Crush

1 c Ground Toasted Almonds

1/2 c Butter, Melted

1/2 c Sugar

12 oz Milk Chocolate Chips

1/2 c Milk

1 ea Env. Unflavored Gelatin

16 oz Cream Cheese, Softened

1/2 c Sour Cream

1/2 ts Almond Extract

1/2 c Heavy Cream, Whipped

1 x Garnishes *

Preparation :

* Whipped cream and chocolate shavings (optional). In large bowl, combine vanilla waver crumbs, almonds, butter and sugar; mix well. Pat firmly into 9-inch springform pan, covering bottom and 2 1/2 inches up the sides. Set aside. Melt over hot (not boiling) water milk chocolate chips; stir until smooth. Set aside. Pour milk into small saucepan; sprinkle gelatin over top. Set aside for 1 minute. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until gelatin dissolves. Set aside. In large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and melted chocolate chips; beat until fluffy. Beat in gelatin mixture and almond extract. Fold in whipped cream. Pour into prepared pan. Chill until firm (about 3 hours). Run knife around edge of cake to separate from pan; remove rim. Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, if desired. Makes 1 9-inch Cheesecake

Cheesecake Tip: To easily cut cheesecake, take a long strand of plain dental floss, stretch it taut, and gently press it through the cake. When you reach the bottom of the cheesecake, simply pull the floss out from underneath.