Mocha Cheesecake

Decadently rich, chocolate and coffee-flavored cheesecake in a chocolate crumb crust.

Recipe Ingredients:

Crust:
1 1/2 cups chocolate wafer crumbs
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar

Filling:
2 (1-ounce) squares semisweet baking chocolate
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons instant coffee powder
1/8 teaspoon salt

Garnish:
1 cup red raspberries

Cooking Directions:

1. For Crust: Combine chocolate wafer crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Butter the sides and bottom of an 8-inch springform pan and press the crumb mixture evenly onto the bottom of the pan.
2. For Filling: In a double boiler, melt semisweet baking chocolate over hot, but not boiling, water. Stir until smooth.
3. In a bowl, beat cream cheese until soft and smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, to the cream cheese. Gradually add sugar, mixing until well blended.
4. Add the melted chocolate, instant coffee powder, and salt to the cream cheese mixture. Stir until blended. Turn the mixture into the prepared pan.
5. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) in the center of the oven for about 40 minutes, or until cake center is almost set.
6. Cool at room temperature for about 45 minutes. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours.
7. Remove the sides of the pan and garnish with red raspberries.

Makes 10 servings.