Shelly's Recipe

CHOCOLATE CHERRY CHEESECAKE

Category: Cheesecake

8 1/2 oz chocolate wafer cookies, finely crushed
1/2 cup butter, melted
12 oz semisweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar
4 large eggs
3/4 cup cherry flavored liqueur
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 lb cherry pie filling
1/2 cup heavy cream, whipped, (optional)

In large bowl, combine chocolate wafer crumbs and butter. Pat firmly into 9-inch springform pan, covering bottom and 2 1/2 inches up sides. Chill. Preheat oven to 325. Combine over hot (not boiling) water, chocolate chips and heavy cream. Stir until morsels are melted and mixture is smooth. Set aside.

In large bowl, combine cream cheese and sugar, beating until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add chocolate mixture, cherry liqueur, and vanilla, mix until blended. Pour into prepared crust. Bake for 60 minutes. Turn oven off. Let stand in oven with door ajar 1 hour. Remove, cool completely. Chill 24 hours. Spread cherry pie filling over top of cheesecake leaving 1-inch from the edge. Decorate edge with whipped cream, if desired.