CHOCOLATE COVERED CHEESECAKE SQUARES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 300ºF.
• Line 8" square pan w/heavy duty foil with foil extending over sides of pan.
• Spray foil w/nonstick spray.
• In a small bowl, combine all crust ingredients; mixing well.
• Press into bottom of foil lined, sprayed pan.
• In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
• Add all remaining filling ingredients; beat until smooth.
• Pour over crust.
• Bake at 300ºF.
• for 40 to 45 minutes or until edges appear set.
• Center will be soft but sets as it cools.
• Refrigerate until chilled, about 1 1/2 hours.
• Freeze until firm, about 2 hours.
• Lift cheesecake out of pan by lifting foil.
• Cut into 48 squares and place each square onto waxed paper.
• Melt coating ingredients in a small sauce pan over low heat until smooth, stirring frequently.
• Cool slightly, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Put into a small 2-cup bowl.
• Use a fork to stick into tops of squares, dip each one into coating and coat bottom and sides, let excess drip off.
• Place back onto waxed paper.
• Spoon about 1 teaspoon coating mixture over each bite to coat the tops and smooth with the back of the spoon.
• Let stand until firm, about 20 minutes.
• Store in the fridge.
• Tips.
• Try different flavored crumbs for the crust: chocolate or cinnamon grahams, vanilla or chocolate wafers.
• You can also slice cheesecake into larger squares and drizzle the melted chocolate over the top.
• Look in the cake decorating supplies department for dipping forks, which are angled for dipping.