Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake

Ingredients

 * 2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
 * 6 tbsp margarine, melted
 * 14 oz caramels (1 bag)
 * 5 oz (1 can) evaporated milk
 * 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
 * 16 oz cream cheese, softened
 * ½ cup sugar
 * 1 tsp vanilla
 * 2 large eggs
 * ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
 * chocolate chips should be melted.

Directions

 * 1) Combine crumbs and margarine, press onto bottom and sides of 9-inch spring-form pan.
 * 2) Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
 * 3) In 1½-quart heavy saucepan, melt caramels with milk over low heat, stirring frequently, until smooth.
 * 4) Pour over crust.
 * 5) Top with pecans.
 * 6) Combine cream cheese, sugar and vanilla, mixing at medium speed on electric mixer until well blended.
 * 7) Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
 * 8) Blend in chocolate, pour over pecans.
 * 9) Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes.
 * 10) Loosen cake from rim of pan; cool before removing rim of pan.
 * 11) Chill.
 * 12) Garnish with whipped cream, additional chopped nuts and maraschino cherries, if desired.