Dark Chocolate Cheesecakewith Walnut Crust Variation For Low Ca Recipes

DEEPEST DARKEST CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9-inch-diameter springform pan with cooking spray.
• For the crust: In a food processor, grind the cookies until finely ground. Blend in the sugar and salt. Add the melted butter and process until well blended; it should be the consistency of wet sand. Press the crumbs evenly onto the bottom (not the sides) of the prepared pan. (Or just place the cookie crumb-sugar mixture in the pan, pour the melted butter in and combine.) Press the mixture into the bottom of the pan and bake just until set, about 7 minutes. Allow it to cool while preparing the filling.
• For the filling: Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat until melted, 2 to 3 minutes, stirring every minute until the chocolate is completely melted. In a medium bowl, whisk the sugar and cocoa powder together, smoothing out any lumps of cocoa powder. In a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes, and then add the sugar-cocoa powder mixture. Add the orange zest, prepared coffee or espresso powder at this time, if using. Beat until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides and bottom with a rubber scraper when necessary. Blend in the eggs, 1 at a time. Mix in the lukewarm chocolate and stir until combined.
• Pour the filling over the cooled crust, tap the pan on the table top to remove any air pockets, and then smooth the top to even out. Bake until the center is just set (jiggles like set gelatin) and looks just dry, about 1 hour 10 minutes, rotating halfway. Cool 5 minutes. Run a knife around sides of the cake to loosen, but do not remove from the springform pan. Chill the cake in the refrigerator overnight.
• For the glaze: Stir the heavy cream, chopped chocolate, honey and prepared coffee in a heavy, medium saucepan over low heat until smooth. Cool slightly. Pour over the center of the cheesecake, spreading to within 1/2-inch of the cheesecake's edge and filling any cracks. Chill until topping is set, about 1 hour.
• Transfer the cheesecake to a platter and release from the springform pan. Serve cold, or allow to come to room temperature, about 2 hours.

DARK CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• For the crust: Position an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Spray a 6-inch springform pan with cooking spray to coat the bottom and sides.
• Add the graham crackers to a resealable plastic bag. Using your hands or a rolling pin, crush the graham crackers into crumbs. Transfer them to a mixing bowl and add the melted butter. Fold and press together with a spatula until a loose, crumbly mixture is made. Pour the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan and press to create an even base for the cheesecake. Chill the crust in the fridge while you make the filling to set the base.
• For the filling: Add the chocolate to a heatproof bowl and set the bowl over a pan of simmering water. Heat, stirring with a spatula, until the chocolate is melted and completely smooth. Set aside.
• Mix the cream cheese, sugar and cocoa powder in a food processor until smooth. Remove the lid and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the vanilla, salt and egg and process until completely incorporated. Scrape down the sides once more. Turn the machine back on and while the machine is running, drizzle in the melted chocolate and allow it to completely incorporate into the mixture.
• Pour the chocolate filling over the prepared crust and smooth out the top with a spatula. Transfer the cheesecake to the center rack and bake until the filling is no longer soupy but still slightly jiggly, about 32 minutes. Turn off the oven and open the door just a hair. Allow the cheesecake to sit in the warm oven for 15 more minutes with the door ajar.
• Transfer the cheesecake to a cooling rack and let cool for 30 minutes.
• Run a sharp knife around the edge of the pan to help free the cheesecake, but keep it in the pan. The cheesecake will continue to shrink while it cools and this step makes it easier to separate the cheesecake when you are ready to serve it.
• For the topping: Pour the cherry pie filling onto the cooled cheesecake and smooth into an even layer, leaving a bit uncovered around the edges. Cover the springform pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
• When you are ready to eat, remove the cheesecake from the fridge and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with a sprig of mint and serve.

DARK CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE(WITH WALNUT CRUST VARIATION FOR LOW CA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350ºF.
• Microwave 1 1/4 cups chunks in small, uncovered microwave-safe bowl on high for 1 minute; stir until just smooth.
• If necessary, microwave an additional 10-15 second intervals.
• Cool to room temperature.
• Combine crumbs, 2 tablespoons sugar and butter in 9-inch springform pan. Stir until blended.
• Press on bottom and 1 inch up side of pan.
• Beat cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, sour cream and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy.
• Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Beat in melted chocolate until blended and pour onto crust.
• Place pan in large roasting pan; fill roasting pan with hot water to 1-inch depth.
• Bake 45 to 50 minutes or until edges are set but center still moves slightly.
• Remove cheesecake from water bath to wire rack.
• Run knife around edge of cheesecake.
• Cool for 30 minutes.
• Refrigerate 1 hour; remove side of pan.
• Microwave 1/2 cup chocolate chunks and whipping cream on high for 1 to 2 minutes; stir until just smooth.
• Cool for 5 minutes, then spread over cheesecake.
• Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
• "I do have a hint for the springform pan - cover the insert bottom with foil then assemble the pan. I find this prevents leaks in and out. Makes a very secure seal." -Lee.
• VARIATION CRUST:.
• 1 1/2 cup walnut pieces.
• 1/4 cup sugar.
• 4 Tbs. butter, melted.
• Process walnuts with sugar then process that with the metlted butter until it looks like sand.
• Continue as above.

NO-BAKE CHOCOLATE-CRUST CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Make the crust: Place cookies in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until finely ground. Transfer to a medium bowl. Add 3 tablespoons sugar and 6 tablespoons butter and mix until evenly moistened. If needed, add remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Press into bottom and 3/4 of the way up the sides of a 6-inch springform pan. Freeze while you prepare the filling.
• Make the filling: Using a hand mixer, beat cream cheese, lemon juice, and remaining 1/3 cup sugar on medium speed until well combined, about 2 minutes. In another bowl, whip cream to soft peaks; gently fold into cream cheese mixture (do not overmix.) Pour filling over frozen crust, spreading evenly to edges. Cover with plastic wrap; freeze until set, at least 30 minutes. Transfer to refrigerator and chill until firm, at least 30 minutes and up to 1 day.
• To serve, press half of the raspberries through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl to create a puree. Slice cake and serve drizzled with puree and topped with remaining berries.