*  Exported from  MasterCook  *

                        Almond Truffle Cheesecake

Recipe By     : Simply Southern/Southern Living Cooking School, '94
Serving Size  : 10   Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    : Cheesecakes                      Chocolate
                Cream Cheese                     Desserts
                Nuts                             Spirits

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   1 1/4  cups          vanilla wafers -- crushed
     3/4  cup           almonds, toasted -- coarsely ground
   1 1/2  cups          sugar -- divided
     1/4  cup           butter or margarine -- melted
  24      ounces        cream cheese -- softened
   2      tablespoons   cocoa -- unsweetened
  12      ounces        bittersweet chocolate -- melted
   4                    eggs
     3/4  cup           amaretto di Amore
     1/4  cup           whipping cream
  20                    almonds, blanched -- toated
   4      ounces        bittersweet chocolate -- melted/divided

Combine vanilla wafers, ground almonds, 1/4 cup sugar and butter. Stir well.
Press firmly on bottom of 9"  springform pan. Set aside. 
Beat cream cheese until fluffy in a large mixing bowl. Gradually beat in
remaining 1 1/4 cups sugar and cocoa until smooth. Add 12 oz. melted
chocolate, beating well. Add eggs, amaretto, and whipping cream, mixing well.

Pour mixture into prepared pan. Bake at 350  for 60-65 minutes or until
center is just set.
Cool completely. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
To serve: remove sides of pan and place on serving plate. Drizzle 3 oz.
melted chocolate over cheesecake. Dip half of each whole almond in remaining
1 oz. melted chocolate and arrange on cheesecake. 
Formatted by Bob b1744@AOL.com

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