*  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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