Chocolate Chunk Cheesecake

Chocolate Chunk Cheesecake

2 C. cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs (about 20 cookies)

2 T. butter, melted

4 (8-oz.) packages cream cheese, softened

1 1/3 C. granulated sugar

4 large eggs

2 t. vanilla extract

1 3/4 C. semisweet chocolate chunks, divided

1 1/2 C. coarsely crushed cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookies (about 14 cookies)

1/3 cup whipping cream

Stir together cookie crumbs and butter. Press mixture into bottom and one-half inch up sides of 9-inch spring form pan.

Beat cream cheese and sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until blended. Add eggs, one at a time; beat just until blended after each addition. Stir in vanilla, one cup of the chocolate chunks and coarsely crushed cookies. Pour into prepared crust.

Bake at 325°F. for 55 minutes or until center is almost set. Turn off oven; let cheesecake stand in oven with oven door partially open, 20 minutes.

Remove cheesecake from oven; cool in pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Cover and chill for eight hours. Release sides of pan.

Microwave remaining three-fourths cup chocolate chunks and whipping cream in a glass bowl at high one minute. Stir until chocolate melts. Pour over cheesecake.

Makes one 9-inch cheesecake.