Chocolate Cheesecake

Teaming two favorites such as cheesecake and chocolate wafer cookies results in a truly rich, yet low-fat and satisfying confection worthy of company. Enjoy these toothsome wedges with a dollop of whipped cream.

Recipe Ingredients:

24 chocolate wafers, finely crushed
3 tablespoons water
1 cup nonfat cottage cheese
1/2 cup egg beaters (or 2 large eggs)
12 ounces light cream cheese
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened baking cocoa
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup powdered sugar
3/4 cup nonfat sour cream
1 tablespoon lavender flowers (optional garnish)

Cooking Directions:

1. In a small bowl, toss chocolate wafer crumbs with water, a tablespoon at a time, until crumbs are moistened. Press onto bottom of 8-inch springform pan; set aside.
2. In electric blender or food processor, blend cottage cheese and eggs until smooth, scraping down sides of container as necessary.
3. In large bowl, with electric mixer at medium speed, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add cottage cheese mixture, cocoa, flour and vanilla; beat until well blended and smooth. Pour batter into prepared crust.
4. Bake in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 60 to 65 minutes or until puffed and set. Cool in pan on wire rack 15 minutes. Carefully run metal spatula around edge of cheesecake to loosen. Cover; chill at least 4 hours.
5. In small bowl, combine powdered sugar and sour cream. Serve with cheesecake. Garnish with lavender flowers, if desired.

Makes 12 servings.