CHOCOLATE PECAN CHEESECAKE

CHOCOLATE PECAN CHEESECAKE image

Yield 8-10

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
1/2 cup pecan meal
1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted
4 8-oz packages cream cheese, room temperature
1 2/3 cups sugar
4 large eggs, beaten
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup pecan pieces
1/2 cup mini-semi-sweet chocolate chips
chocolate chips
whole pecans

Steps:

Preheat oven to 300F. For crust, mix chocolate cookie crumbs, pecan meal and butter in bowl. Press mixture onto bottom and 2 inches up sides of 9-inch springform pan. For filling, with an electric mixer, beat cream cheese with sugar in large bowl until very smooth. Add eggs and vanilla and beat until smooth. Pour half filling mixture into crust. Sprinkle pecan pieces and mini-chocolate chips onto filling in crust. Pour remaining filling into crust. Top with whole pecans and chocolate chips. Bake about 1 1/2 hours, or until edges puff and center is firm. Place on rack and cool completely. Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours before serving.