Almond truffle cheesecake

 
                         Almond Truffle Cheesecake
 
 Recipe By     : Simply Southern/Southern Living Cooking School, '94
 Serving Size  : 10   Preparation Time :0:00
 Categories    : Cheesecakes                      Chocolate
                 Cream Cheese                     Desserts
                 Nuts                             Spirits
 
   Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
 --------  ------------  --------------------------------
    1 1/4  cups          vanilla wafers -- crushed
      3/4  cup           almonds, toasted -- coarsely ground
    1 1/2  cups          sugar -- divided
      1/4  cup           butter or margarine -- melted
   24      ounces        cream cheese -- softened
    2      tablespoons   cocoa -- unsweetened
   12      ounces        bittersweet chocolate -- melted
    4                    eggs
      3/4  cup           amaretto di Amore
      1/4  cup           whipping cream
   20                    almonds, blanched -- toated
    4      ounces        bittersweet chocolate -- melted/divided
 
 Combine vanilla wafers, ground almonds, 1/4 cup sugar and butter. Stir well.
 Press firmly on bottom of 9"  springform pan. Set aside. 
 Beat cream cheese until fluffy in a large mixing bowl. Gradually beat in
 remaining 1 1/4 cups sugar and cocoa until smooth. Add 12 oz. melted
 chocolate, beating well. Add eggs, amaretto, and whipping cream, mixing well.
 
 Pour mixture into prepared pan. Bake at 350° for 60-65 minutes or until
 center is just set.
 Cool completely. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
 To serve: remove sides of pan and place on serving plate. Drizzle 3 oz.
 melted chocolate over cheesecake. Dip half of each whole almond in remaining
 1 oz. melted chocolate and arrange on cheesecake. 
 Formatted by Bob b1744@AOL.com
 
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