Chocolate Surprise Turtle Cheesecake

This cheesecake has a surprise layer of chocolate on top of the crust when it is cut. Mmmm, so yummy. I was trying to mimic johnny carino's turtle cheesecake, but i didn't quite get it right. This still tastes awesome, in my opinion, though. I wouldn't bother looking at the nutition info... :) *note:* prep time does not include cheesecake cooling or chilling time. Updated 5/12/09 to add: the melted chocolate layer on top of the crust can become quite solid after refrigeration (...not how i envisioned it!), making it difficult to cut! . Fudge ice cream topping might be better and stay ooey-gooey when the cheesecake is cold. If you try this out, let me know what you did and how it works out!!

Steps

Combine graham cracker crumbs , 1 / 2 cup of pecans , and butter.

Blend well.

Press into the bottom and 1 inch up the sides of a 10-inch springform pan.

Place the crust in the refrigerator while making the ganache.

Combine the 1 / 2 cup heavy whipping cream and 2 tablespoons butter in a microwave-safe measuring cup.

Heat on high for 30 seconds , or until the butter melts.

Add the chocolate chips , and stir with a wire whisk until mixture is smooth.

Pour , and spread , over the crust , within 1 inch from the edges of the pan.

Place in the freezer until fudge is firm , about 30 minutes.

In a mixing bowl , beat cream cheese until smooth.

Add sugar and vanilla.

Mix well.

Add eggs , one at a time , beating well after each addition.

Do not over-mix.

Carefully spread over the ganache filling.

Bake , in a water bath , at 350 degrees for 1 hour and 5 minutes , or until filling is almost set.

Let cheesecake sit in the turned-off oven for one hour with the door ajar.

Remove fro.

Ingredients

graham cracker crumbs, butter, pecans, semisweet chocolate, heavy whipping cream, cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, caramels, semi-sweet chocolate chips