Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake

Ingredients

8 1/2 oz chocolate wafers crush fine
1/2 c butter melted
12 oz chocolate chips semi sweet
1 1/2 c whipping cream
16 oz cream cheese softened
1/4 c sugar
4 eggs
3/4 c cherry flavored liqueur
1 t vanilla
1 cherry pie filling
1/2 c whipping cream whipped

Instructions

In large bowl, combine chocolate wafer crumbs and butter. Pat firmly into 9-inch springform pan, covering bottom and 2 1/2 inches up sides. Chill. Preheat oven to 325� F. Combine over hot (not boiling) water, chocolate chips and heavy cream . Stir until morsels are melted and mixture is smooth. Set aside. In large bowl, combine cream cheese and sugar, beating until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add chocolate mixture, cherry liqueur, and vanilla, mix until blended. Pour into prepared crust. Bake at 325� F. for 60 minutes. Turn oven off. Let stand in oven with door ajar 1 hour. Remove, cool completely. Chill 24 hours. Spread cherry pie filling over top of cheesecake leaving 1-inch from the edge uncovered. Decorate edge with whipped cream, if desired.