Preparation:
Crust
In a small bowl , combine cookie crumbs and sugar ; stir in butter .
Press onto the bottom and 1-1/2 inches up the sides of a greased 9-inch springform pan . Bake at 350* for 10 mins. Cool on wire rack . Reduce heat to 325*
Filling
In a sauce pan over low heat , melt chocolate chips ; stir until smooth .
Remove from heat ; add cream and mix well . Set aside .
In a mixing bowl , beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth .
Add cocoa and beat well . Add eggs ; beat on low just until combined .
Stir in vanilla and reserved chocolate mixture just until blended .
Pour over crust . Bake for 45 to 50 mins. or until center almost
set .
Topping
Foe topping , melt chocolate chips in a sauce pan over low heat , stirring until smooth . Remove from heat . Stir in cream and vanilla ; mix well . Spread filling over cheesecake . Refrigerate overnight . Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen . Remove sides of pan . Just before serving , garnish with whipped cream and miniature chocolate kisses if desired . |