Dark Chocolate Cheesecakewith Walnut Crust Variation For Low Ca Recipes

DARK CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• For the crust: Position an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Spray a 6-inch springform pan with cooking spray to coat the bottom and sides.
• Add the graham crackers to a resealable plastic bag. Using your hands or a rolling pin, crush the graham crackers into crumbs. Transfer them to a mixing bowl and add the melted butter. Fold and press together with a spatula until a loose, crumbly mixture is made. Pour the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan and press to create an even base for the cheesecake. Chill the crust in the fridge while you make the filling to set the base.
• For the filling: Add the chocolate to a heatproof bowl and set the bowl over a pan of simmering water. Heat, stirring with a spatula, until the chocolate is melted and completely smooth. Set aside.
• Mix the cream cheese, sugar and cocoa powder in a food processor until smooth. Remove the lid and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the vanilla, salt and egg and process until completely incorporated. Scrape down the sides once more. Turn the machine back on and while the machine is running, drizzle in the melted chocolate and allow it to completely incorporate into the mixture.
• Pour the chocolate filling over the prepared crust and smooth out the top with a spatula. Transfer the cheesecake to the center rack and bake until the filling is no longer soupy but still slightly jiggly, about 32 minutes. Turn off the oven and open the door just a hair. Allow the cheesecake to sit in the warm oven for 15 more minutes with the door ajar.
• Transfer the cheesecake to a cooling rack and let cool for 30 minutes.
• Run a sharp knife around the edge of the pan to help free the cheesecake, but keep it in the pan. The cheesecake will continue to shrink while it cools and this step makes it easier to separate the cheesecake when you are ready to serve it.
• For the topping: Pour the cherry pie filling onto the cooled cheesecake and smooth into an even layer, leaving a bit uncovered around the edges. Cover the springform pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
• When you are ready to eat, remove the cheesecake from the fridge and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with a sprig of mint and serve.

DARK CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE(WITH WALNUT CRUST VARIATION FOR LOW CA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350ºF.
• Microwave 1 1/4 cups chunks in small, uncovered microwave-safe bowl on high for 1 minute; stir until just smooth.
• If necessary, microwave an additional 10-15 second intervals.
• Cool to room temperature.
• Combine crumbs, 2 tablespoons sugar and butter in 9-inch springform pan. Stir until blended.
• Press on bottom and 1 inch up side of pan.
• Beat cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, sour cream and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy.
• Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Beat in melted chocolate until blended and pour onto crust.
• Place pan in large roasting pan; fill roasting pan with hot water to 1-inch depth.
• Bake 45 to 50 minutes or until edges are set but center still moves slightly.
• Remove cheesecake from water bath to wire rack.
• Run knife around edge of cheesecake.
• Cool for 30 minutes.
• Refrigerate 1 hour; remove side of pan.
• Microwave 1/2 cup chocolate chunks and whipping cream on high for 1 to 2 minutes; stir until just smooth.
• Cool for 5 minutes, then spread over cheesecake.
• Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
• "I do have a hint for the springform pan - cover the insert bottom with foil then assemble the pan. I find this prevents leaks in and out. Makes a very secure seal." -Lee.
• VARIATION CRUST:.
• 1 1/2 cup walnut pieces.
• 1/4 cup sugar.
• 4 Tbs. butter, melted.
• Process walnuts with sugar then process that with the metlted butter until it looks like sand.
• Continue as above.

CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE II

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F ( 175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9 inch springform pan.
• In a small bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups chocolate wafer crumbs, 2 tablespoons sugar, and melted butter. Press onto the bottom and 1 1/2 inch up the sides of the prepared 9 inch springform pan. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 10 minutes. Allow to cool. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
• To Make Filling: In a small saucepan, heat 1/4 cup whipping cream and 1/4 cup chocolate chips, stirring constantly, until chips are melted. Remove from heat.
• In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and 1 cup of sugar until smooth. Add cocoa and beat well. Add eggs and beat on low until just blended. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla and reserved chocolate mixture until blended. Pour over crust. Bake at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) for 45 to 50 minutes or until center is almost set.
• To Make Topping: In a small saucepan, heat 1/4 cup whipping cream and 1 teaspoon vanilla until just before boiling. Stir constantly and be careful not to boil over. Have 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips ready in a small bowl. Pour in the hot cream and stir with a spoon until smooth. Spread over baked cheesecake and refrigerate overnight.