Shelly's Recipe

TURTLE CHEESECAKE

Category: Cheesecake

2 cups vanilla wafers
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 (14 oz) pkg caramels
5 oz can evaporated milk
2 cups chopped pecans, toasted, divided
4 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
4 eggs
1 cups chocolate chips, melted and cooled slightly
Whipped cream, optional

Combine crumbs and butter, mix well. Press into bottom and up sides of a 9 inch springform pan. Bake at 350, 8-10 minutes. Cool. In a saucepan over low heat, melt caramels in milk, stirring until smooth. Cool 5 minutes. Pour into crust; top with 1 1/2 cups pecans.

In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and vanilla; mix well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add chocolate, mix until blended. Carefully spread over pecans. Bake 55-65 minutes or until filling is almost set. Cool to room temperature. Chill overnight. Garnish with remaining pecans and whipped cream.