Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake (Death by Chocolate!)

Description: If you love chocolate, this is the dessert for you! WORTH the effort! Wonderful served with a cup of coffee! ENJOY!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups chocolate wafer crumbs
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 cup butter or 1/4 cup margarine, melted
• 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup baking cocoa
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• mini milk chocolate kiss (optional)

Steps:

1. In a small bowl, combine cookie crumbs and sugar; stir in butter.
2. Press onto the bottom and 1 1/2 in. up the sides of a greased 9 inch springform pan
3. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes.
4. Cool on a wire rack.
5. Reduce heat to 325.
6. In a saucepan over low heat, melt chocolate chips; stir until smooth.
7. Remove from the heat; add cream and mix well; set aside.
8. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
9. Add cocoa and beat well.
10. Add eggs; beat on low just until combined.
11. Stir in vanilla and reserved chocolate mixture just until blended.
12. Pour over crust.
13. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until center is almost set.
14. For topping, melt chocolate chips in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth.
15. Remove from the heat.
16. Stir in cream and vanilla; mix well.
17. Spread over filling.
18. Refrigerate overnight.
19. Carefully run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen.
20. Remove the sides of the pan.
21. Just before serving, garnish with whipped cream and miniature chocolate kisses if desired.