Shelly's Recipe

AMARETTO-IRISH CREAM CHEESECAKE

Category: Cheesecake

1 1/2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
1/2 cup blanched whole almonds, toasted and finely chopped
1/4 cup melted butter
1 tbsp amaretto liqueur
3 (8-oz) pkg cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup sugar
4 eggs
1/3 cup whipping cream
1/3 cup blanched whole almonds, toasted and ground
1/4 cup Irish cream liqueur
1/4 cup amaretto
1 1/2 cups sour cream
1 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup sliced almonds

Combine first 4 ingredients; firmly press evenly on bottom of springform pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Beat softened cream cheese at high speed of an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually add 1 cup of sugar, beating well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in whipping cream and next 3 ingredients; pour into pan. Bake at 350 for 50 minutes. Turn off oven and leave in oven for 30 minutes.

Combine sour cream, 1 tbsp sugar and vanilla; stir and spoon over cake. Sprinkle 1/4 cup almonds around edge. Bake at 500 degrees for 5 minutes. Cool. Chill. Serves 12.