This was a big hit today:
Chocolate-Marbled Almond Cheesecake
2 c. sugar (I used more like 1 3/4)
4 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
4 eggs
1 c. sour cream
1 T cocoa
2 t. vanilla
1 t. almond extract
12 oz. pkg. semisweet chocolate chips, melted
2 oz. blanched almonds, finely chopped
Heat oven to 325º. Beat sugar and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Continue beating, adding eggs one at a time, until creamy. Add remaining ingrediants EXCEPT chocolate chips and almonds. Mix well. By hand, fold in melted chocolate, swirling for marbled effect.
Lightly butter 9" springform pan; press almonds firmly on bottom of pan. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 65-75 minutes, until set. Cool completely. Cover and refrigerate 8 hr. or overnight.
Stephanie Klose