Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake

I don't like cheesecake but this is delicious! One of those "special occasion cakes."

1 1/2 c. chocolate wafer crumbs (I've used crumbled Oreo's, minus the white stuff, and crushed chocolate graham crackers)

2 T. sugar

1/4 c. butter, melted

Filling:

1/4 c. semisweet chocolate chips

1/4 c. heavy whipping cream

3 pkg (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened

1 c. sugar

1/3 c. baking cocoa

3 eggs, lightly beaten

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Topping:

1 1/2 c. (9 oz) semisweet chocolate chips

1/4 c. heavy whipping cream

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Whipped cream and miniature chocolate kisses for garnish

In a small bowl, combine cookie crumbs and sugar; stir in butter. Press onto the bottom and 1 1/2 in. up the sides of a greased 9 in. springform pan. *I think my springform pan is larger so I added more crust to mine. Place on a baking shset. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

Reduce heat to 325 degrees. In a saucepan over low heat, melt chocolage chips, stirring until smooth. Remove from the heat; add cream and mix well. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add cocoa and beat well. Add eggs; beat on low just until combined. Stir in vanilla and reserved chocolage mixture just until blended. Pour over crust. Return pan to baking sheet. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until center is almost set.

For topping, melt chocolate chips in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from the heat. Stir in the cream and vanilla; mix well. Spread over the filling. Refrigerate overnight.

Carefully run a knife around edge of the pan to loosen. Remove sides of pan. Just before serving garnish with whipper cream and miniature chocolate kisses if desired.