Recipe(tried): Rich Chocolate Cheesecake with Chocolate Crumb Crust

RICH CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE

FOR THE CRUST:
1 1/2 cups chocolate wafer crumbs
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup butter, melted
FOR THE FILLING:
3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 (8 ounce) container sour cream
6 squares (1 ounce each) semisweet chocolate, melted
1 tablespoon plus 3/4 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup whipping cream, whipped
GARNISHES (optional):
Additional whipped cream
Chocolate curls
Almonds
Maraschino cherries

Combine the ingredients for the crust, mixing well. Press mixture into bottom of a 9-inch springform pan; chill.

Beat cream cheese with electric mixer until light and fluffy; gradually add sugar, mixing well. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Stir in sour cream, melted chocolate, cocoa powder, and vanilla, mix well. Gently fold in whipped cream; spoon into prepared pan.

Bake at 300 degrees F for 1 hour. Turn oven off; allow cheesecake to cool in oven an additional 30 minutes. Refrigerate 8 hours.

To serve, remove sides of pan and garnish as desired.

Makes 12 servings