RASPBERRY CHAMBORD CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• CRUST: (About 7 ounces cookies will make 1-3/4 cup crumbs) Set oven to 350 degrees.
• Spray a 9" or 10" springform pan with non-stick cooking spray.
• Process cookies in food processor until crumbs are the size of graham cracker crumbs.
• Mix crumbs and melted butter in a bowl. Add 2 tbs. water and mix.
• Press crust into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove and cool completely to room temperature
• FILLING: Puree thawed raspberries in food processor; strain out seeds.
• Place 2 tbs. cornstarch in small bowl; add 3 tbs. of raspberry puree and mix to make a slurry.
• Pour remaining raspberry puree in sauce pan on medium heat. Heat until boiling.
• With whisk, stir in the cornstarch slurry and bring sauce just to a boil, stirring until thickened. Set aside.
• In small bowl combine gelatin and cold water and let stand until gelatin is softened. Add boiling water and stir until gelatin is completely dissolved and liquid is clear. Set aside.
• Beat cream cheese, sugar, 2 tbs. raspberry liqueur, and food coloring until well blended.
• Slowly add thickened raspberry puree and gelatin mixture and beat until very creamy.
• Pour into crust and refrigerate several hours (or overnight) until cake is completely firm.
• SAUCE: Microwave raspberry jelly just until softened. With whisk, blend in raspberry liqueur.
• Remove springform rim from pan and slice cheesecake into 12-16 slices. GARNISH: Place slice of cheesecake on plate, spoon a little raspberry sauce on top; drizzle a little chocolate over cheesecake getting some on plate to decorate.
• NOTE: For Strawberry Cheesecake- Frozen strawberries can be substituted for the frozen raspberries; fresh strawberries substituted for fresh raspberries.