CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DOUGH CHEESECAKE

1 1/2 cups finely crushed chocolate wafer cookie crumbs (30 cookies)
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup (1/8 lb.) melted butter; or margarine
2 pkg (8 oz. each) cream; cheese or neufchatel into chunks
1 cup regular or light sour cream
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla
Cookie Dough (recipe follows

Mix crumbs, 2 Tbsp sugar, and butter; press firmly over bottom and 1/2-inch up sides of a 9-inch cheesecake pan with removable rim. Bake in a 350 degree oven until slightly darker color, about 8 minutes.

In a food processor or with a mixer, whirl or beat remaining sugar with cheese. Add cream, eggs, and vanilla; mix well. Pour into crust. Drop cookie dough in 2- tablespoon portions evenly over cake; push dough beneath surface.

Bake in 350 oven until cake jiggles only slightly in center when gently shaken, about 40 minutes. Spread topping over hot cake. Let cake cool, then chill until cold, at least 4 hours; serve or wrap airtight up to 2 days.

Serves 12 to 16

COOKIE DOUGH:
In a bowl, beat to blend 1/4 cup butter or margarine, 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Stir in 2 tablespoons water and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat in 1/2 cup all-purpose flour and 1 cup semisweet chocolate baking chips or chopped pieces.

TOPPING:
Mix 1 cup regular or light (reduced-fat) sour cream, 2 teaspoons sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla.

COMMENTS:
Soft, creamy lumps of chocolate chip cookie dough, made without egg, are a tantalizing surprise in this smooth cheesecake. Its a dessert that indulges those addicted to nibbling cookies before they bake.