TURTLE CHOCOLATE SWIRL CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Prepare a 9-inch round springform pan.
• Set oven to 350 degrees (second-bottom oven rack).
• To make the crust: finely grind the wafers in a food processor, then blend in butter.
• Press the crumbs onto the bottom and about 1-inch up the sides, then wrap foil around the bottom and sides of the pan.
• For the filling: with an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese in a large bowl until fluffy.
• Gradually add in the sugar and beat until smooth.
• Beat in eggs and vanilla.
• In a small heavy saucepan bring the cream to a simmer; reduce heat to low and add in the chocolate; stir until mixture is melted and smooth, then remove from heat.
• Pour HALF of the cream cheese mixture into the crust.
• Spoon HALF of the chocolate mixture over the cream cheese by tablespoons, spacing evenly.
• Using the tip of a knife swirl the chocolate mixture into the filling.
• Spoon the remaining cream cheese mixture over.
• Spoon the remaining chocolate mixture over by tablespoons, then swirl into the filling.
• Bake until sides are set and center moves slighty when the pan is shaken (about 1 hour and 5-10 minutes, it might take longer to bake) the cake may crack on top.
• Cool in the pan on a rack then place in the refrigerator overnight.
• The following day: using a small knife, cut around pan sides to loosen the cake.
• Release pan sides, then drizzle about 1/4 cup (or more) caramel sauce over the top of the cake.
• Evenly space the whole toasted pecans on top of the cheesecake (or if using chopped, just sprinkle on top).
• Slice the drizzle more sauce on each slice.