Shelly's Recipe

CHOCOLATE ALMOND CHEESECAKE II

Category: Cheesecake

2 cups crushed vanilla wafers
1 cup finely chopped almonds, toasted
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted

Filling:
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
1/2 cup milk
2 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 to 1/2 tsp almond extract
1 (11-1/2 oz) pkg milk chocolate chips, melted and cooled
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped
Milk chocolate kisses, unblanched whole almonds and additional whipped cream

In a large bowl, combine the wafer crumbs, almonds and sugar; stir in butter. Press onto the bottom and 1-3/4 in. up the sides of a greased 9 inch springform pan. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.

In a small saucepan, soften gelatin in milk; let stand for 5 minutes. Cook and stir over medium heat until gelatin is dissolved. Cool to room temperature, about 6 minutes.

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sour cream and almond extract until smooth. Beat in melted chocolate and gelatin mixture. Fold in whipped cream. Spoon into crust. Cover and chill for 6 hours or overnight.

Just before serving, run a knife around edge of pan to loosen. Remove sides of pan. Garnish with chocolate kisses, almonds and additional whipped cream. Refrigerate leftovers.