Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake

Ingredients

 * 8½ oz chocolate wafers, fine crush
 * ½ cup butter, melted
 * 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
 * 1½ cups heavy cream
 * 16 oz cream cheese, softened
 * ¼ cup sugar
 * 4 large eggs
 * ¾ cup cherry-flavored liqueur
 * 1 tsp vanilla extract
 * 1 lb cherry pie filling
 * ½ cup heavy cream whipped (optional)

Directions

 * 1) In large bowl, combine chocolate wafer crumbs and butter.
 * 2) Pat firmly into 9-inch spring-form pan, covering bottom and 2½ inches up sides.
 * 3) Chill.
 * 4) Preheat oven to 325°F.
 * 5) Combine over hot (not boiling) water, chocolate chips and heavy cream.
 * 6) Stir until morsels are melted and mixture is smooth.
 * 7) Set aside.
 * 8) In large bowl, combine cream cheese and sugar, beating until creamy.
 * 9) Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
 * 10) Add chocolate mixture, cherry liqueur, and vanilla, mix until blended.
 * 11) Pour into prepared crust.
 * 12) Bake at 325°F for 60 minutes.
 * 13) Turn oven off.
 * 14) Let stand in oven with door ajar 1 hour.
 * 15) Remove, cool completely.
 * 16) Chill 24 hours.
 * 17) Spread cherry pie filling over top of cheesecake leaving 1-inch from the edge.
 * 18) Decorate edge with whipped cream, if desired.