Chocolate Pecan Cheesecake Food

CHOCOLATE-PECAN PIE CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 325ºF.
• Use pulsing action to blend 2 cups nuts in blender until finely ground; mix with 1 Tbsp. flour, 1/4 cup sugar and half the butter. Press onto bottom of 9-inch springform pan. Bake 10 min.
• Beat cream cheese, 1/2 cup of the remaining sugar and vanilla in large bowl with mixer until blended. Add 2 eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on low speed after each just until blended. Pour cream cheese mixture over crust. Bake 25 min.
• Meanwhile, toss chocolate and remaining nuts with remaining flour in large bowl until evenly coated. Beat corn syrup and remaining sugar, butter and eggs in medium bowl with whisk until blended. Add to nut mixture; mix well.
• Spoon nut mixture gently over cheesecake. Bake 35 min. or until center is almost set. Run knife around rim of pan to loosen cake; cool before removing rim. Refrigerate cheesecake 4 hours.

CHOCOLATE PECAN CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• In a small saucepan, combine caramels and evaporated milk. Cook and stir over medium-low heat until smooth; stir in 1/2 cup pecans. Pour into crust. Refrigerate for 15 minutes. , Meanwhile, in a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. In a small bowl, whisk milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes; beat into cream cheese mixture until blended. Spread over caramel mixture. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Before serving, drizzle with hot fudge topping and sprinkle with remaining pecans.

PECAN-PIE CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• For the crust: Position a rack in the center of the oven, and preheat to 325 degrees F. Butter the inside of the springform pan.
• Pulse the graham crackers in a food processor until finely ground. Add the butter, sugar and salt, and pulse until the mixture comes together and holds its shape when squeezed. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, and press it into the bottom to make an even layer. Bake until the crust is just firm, about 10 minutes. Remove and let cool completely. Place the pan on a large piece of foil, and fold the foil up the sides of the pan. (This helps seal the pan, to keep water out while baking.)
• For the filling: Wipe out the food processor. Pulse the cream cheese, sugar and sour cream until completely smooth, without any lumps, scraping down the sides of the bowl a few times. Add the eggs and vanilla, and pulse until incorporated. Pour the filling into the crust, and set the pan inside a roasting pan. Fill the roasting pan with enough hot water to go halfway up the sides of the springform pan (but not above the foil).
• Bake the cheesecake until the edge is set but the center jiggles slightly (when you gently shake the pan, the cheesecake should move in a cohesive wave motion), 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes. Turn the oven off, and open the door for a few seconds to let out some heat. Close the door, and let the cheesecake sit in the oven until cooked completely through, 1 hour more.
• Transfer the springform pan to a cooling rack. Run a knife around the edge, and let the cheesecake cool to room temperature. Wrap and refrigerate overnight or up to 2 days.
• For the topping: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the pecans out on a baking sheet, and bake until they turn a few shades darker and are nicely toasted, about 15 minutes. Let cool, then halve each pecan lengthwise.
• Meanwhile, heat the cream, butter, corn syrup, vanilla and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat until just steaming. Reduce the heat to low to keep the cream mixture warm.
• Cook the sugar in an even layer in a medium skillet over medium heat, without stirring, until it begins to melt. Gently swirl the pan as needed as the sugar continues to melt and begins to caramelize and turn lightly golden in spots. Keep cooking and swirling until the caramel is a uniform deep amber. Remove from the heat, and slowly whisk in the warm cream mixture (watch out for ferocious bubbles). Return the caramel sauce to medium heat, and cook to reduce slightly, about 2 minutes. Let cool. To see if the sauce is ready for topping the cheesecake, dip a spoon into it and let the sauce drop off; it's ready if it easily and slowly drips off the spoon. (The sauce can be refrigerated up to 2 days; reheat in the microwave.)
• To assemble: Spoon the sauce into the center of the cheesecake, and let it ooze to the edge. If needed, swirl the sauce with the back of a spoon to help it along. Sprinkle the pecans in a generous layer over the sauce. The cheesecake can now be served or refrigerated for up to 4 hours.
• To slice the cake, dip a sharp, heavy knife into warm water, wipe the knife dry and slice into the cake. Wipe the knife clean and repeat.

CHOCOLATE PECAN CHEESECAKE COOKIE CUPS

Steps:

• PREHEAT oven to 325 degrees F. Paper-line 24 muffin cups. Cut each square of dough in half. Place one piece of dough in each muffin cup.
• BAKE for 10 to 12 minutes or until cookie has spread to edge of cup.
• BEAT cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, eggs and vanilla extract in medium bowl until smooth. Spoon about 3 tablespoons cream cheese mixture over each cookie in cup.
• BAKE for additional 15 to 18 minutes or until set. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Refrigerate for 1 hour. Place pecan in center of each cheesecake.
• PLACE morsels in small, heavy-duty plastic bag. Microwave on HIGH (100%) power for 20 seconds; knead. Microwave at additional 10-second intervals, kneading until smooth. Cut tiny corner from bag; squeeze to drizzle over each cheesecake.

NO BAKE CHOCOLATE PECAN CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Crust: Combine crumbs, pecans, sugar and butter .
• With the back of a spoon, press mixture to the bottom of a lightly greased 9 inch springform pan.
• Bake in 325 oven for 8 minutes.
• Cool.
• Filling: Beat cream cheese and 1/4 cup sugar with electric mixer until smooth.
• Beat in egg yolks and vanilla, mixing well.
• Blend in melted chocolate. In another bowl, beat egg whites to soft peaks.
• Add remaining sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
• Fold egg whites and whipped cream into chocolate mixture. Stir until well blended.
• Pour over crust. Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped pecans and drizzle with melted chocolate. Cover with foil.
• Freeze cheesecake for 3 hours or until firm.
• When frozen solid, remove from freezer 30 minutes before serving.

CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE CUPS WITH CANDIED PECANS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Arrange the wonton wrappers in a single layer on 2 parchment-lined baking sheets. Brush with the melted butter and sprinkle with the turbinado sugar. Bake until golden brown and crisp, 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool on the pans.
• Meanwhile, beat the cream cheese, confectioners? sugar, cocoa powder, heavy cream, bourbon and vanilla in a large bowl with a mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes; refrigerate until ready to use.
• Lightly coat another baking sheet with cooking spray. Combine the pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup and salt in a small bowl. Pour the nuts onto the prepared baking sheet and spread in a single layer. Bake until toasted, 10 to 12 minutes, watching closely so the nuts don?t burn. Let cool on the pan, then break into pieces.
• Spoon the cheesecake mixture into small cups or glasses and sprinkle with the candied pecans. Serve with the wonton crisps.

CHOCOLATE PECAN CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 300F. For crust, mix chocolate cookie crumbs, pecan meal and butter in bowl. Press mixture onto bottom and 2 inches up sides of 9-inch springform pan. For filling, with an electric mixer, beat cream cheese with sugar in large bowl until very smooth. Add eggs and vanilla and beat until smooth. Pour half filling mixture into crust. Sprinkle pecan pieces and mini-chocolate chips onto filling in crust. Pour remaining filling into crust. Top with whole pecans and chocolate chips. Bake about 1 1/2 hours, or until edges puff and center is firm. Place on rack and cool completely. Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours before serving.

MINI CHOCOLATE-PECAN-CARAMEL CHEESECAKES

Steps:

• For the crust: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 24-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
• Pulse the graham crackers in a food processor until fine crumbs form. Add the butter and sugar, then pulse until well combined. Distribute the crumbs among the prepared cups, about 2 tablespoons in each, and press to firm them up.
• For the filling: Beat the cream cheese in an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until smooth. Mix in the sugar and eggs. Add the vanilla and 3 tablespoons of the salted caramel and mix again. Distribute the batter among the muffin cups, about 3 tablespoons per cup. Tap the tin on the counter to distribute the batter evenly.
• Bake, watching to make sure they don't burn, until set in the middle, 15 to 17 minutes. Cool on a wire rack, then chill for 2 hours.
• For the ganache: Place the chopped chocolate in a bowl and set aside. Heat the cream in a saucepan until warm and bubbles begin to form around the edges, 1 to 2 minutes. Pour over the chocolate and allow to sit for 2 minutes. Mix until smooth, then set aside to cool slightly.
• Place about 1 tablespoon ganache on top of each cheesecake. Sprinkle the top with the pecan pieces and mini chocolate chips. Drizzle with the remaining 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon caramel and freeze, uncovered, for 1 hour. Transfer to an airtight freezer container and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Allow to thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

CHOCOLATE-CARAMEL-PECAN CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Combine graham cracker crumbs and butter, stirring well.
• Press mixture evenly onto bottom and 1 inch up sides of a 9-inch springform pan.
• Unwrap caramels; combine with milk and heat over low heat until caramels are melted, stirring often.
• Pour over graham cracker crust; sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over caramel layer and set aside.
• Beat cream cheese at high speed until light and fluffy; gradually add sugar, mixing well.
• Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each one. Stir in vanilla and chocolate; beat until blended.
• Spoon over pecan layer.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
• Remove from oven, and run knife around edge of pan to release sides.
• Let cool t o room temperature on a wire rack; cover and chill at least 8 hours before serving.
• Top with pecan halves and serve.

CHOCOLATE BOURBON PECAN CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. Place a greased 10-in. springform pan on a double thickness of heavy duty foil. Securely wrap foil around pan. Combine cookie crumbs and butter; press onto the bottom and 1 in. up the sides of a greased 10-in. springform pan. Place on a baking sheet. Bake until set, 8-10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Reduce oven setting to 325°., Meanwhile, drizzle caramel topping over crust; sprinkle with pecans. , In another bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla and remaining flour until smooth. Beat in eggs and yolks just until combined. Stir in cream and bourbon. Pour into crust; place springform pan in larger baking pan; add 1 in. of hot water to larger pan. Bake until center is almost set, 65-70 minutes. Remove springform pan from water bath; remove foil. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Loosen sides from pan with a knife, remove foil. , Chill for 8 hours or overnight, covering when completely cooled. Remove sides of pan. If desired, just before serving, top with whipped cream, pecans and caramel sauce. Refrigerate leftovers.

CHOCOLATE CARAMEL CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter. Mix well and press into the bottom and 1 inch up the sides of a 9 inch springform pan. Pour on melted caramel/pecan mixture and chill for 30 minutes.
• To make the Caramel Filling: In a small saucepan, combine caramels and milk. Cook over low heat, stirring, until smooth. Stir in chopped pecans. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
• In the top of a double boiler, heat chocolate, stirring occasionally, until chocolate is melted and smooth. Remove from heat and allow to cool to lukewarm. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Fold 1/3 of the filling into the melted chocolate, then pour the chocolate mixture back into the filling and mix until no streaks remain. Pour into crust.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes, or until center is almost set. Place a pan of water on rack underneath cheesecake as it bakes to help keep it from cracking. Cool in oven with door cracked open. Refrigerate at least 5 hours before serving.

CHOCOLATE CARAMEL PECAN CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F.
• Mix crumbs and margarine; press onto bottom and 1 inch up side of 9-inch springform pan. Bake 10 min.
• Microwave caramels and milk in small microwaveable bowl on HIGH 4 min. or until caramels are completely melted, stirring after 2 min. Pour over crust; sprinkle with nuts.
• Beat cream cheese and sugar in large bowl with mixer until blended. Add chocolate and vanilla; mix well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on low speed after each just until blended; pour over nuts. Place springform pan on baking sheet.
• Bake 45 min. or until center is almost set. Run knife around rim of pan to loosen cake; cool before removing rim. Refrigerate 4 hours. Serve topped with COOL WHIP.

PECAN PIE CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. In a large bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar and butter. Press evenly into bottom and halfway up the side of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 6-8 minutes; set aside to cool.
• In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons butter. Add 1/2 cup light brown sugar and cook, stirring occasionally, until starting to bubble and sugar is dissolved, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in dark corn syrup, 1 1/2 cup chopped pecans, eggs, vanilla extract and salt. Pour into prepared crust; set aside.
• In a stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat cream cheese, 1 cup light brown sugar and flour until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition until just combined. Add 1 cup heavy cream and stir until well combined. Pour over pecan pie filling and place springform pan on a baking sheet. Bake for 60-70 minutes until cake jiggles slightly when moved or toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Turn off oven and leave cake in for 1 hour, then remove from oven and let cool completely.
• To Make the Pecan Topping:
• Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and cook until bubbling, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups toasted pecans, 1/3 cup heavy cream and pinch of salt. Let cool to room temperature then spoon over.
• cooled cheesecake. Slice to serve or store refrigerated.

PECAN CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Combine 2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup white sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and melted butter or margarine. Press firmly into the bottom of a 10 inch springform pan.
• In a large bowl, blend the cream cheese and 1 1/4 cup white sugar with an electric mixer at medium speed until well blended. Add the eggs, one at a time, blending well. Add vanilla extract. Add 1/2 cup liqueur, and blend for 5 minutes. Pour the filling on top of the crust
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake for approximately 1 hour. The cake should be golden brown, and will have risen to the top of the pan. Turn off the heat, and let cool in the oven for 2 1/2 hours. When cool, remove the rim of the springform pan.
• In a small bowl, mix the sour cream, confectioners' sugar, and 1 teaspoon liqueur together. Spoon onto the top of the cooled cheesecake.
• In a small bowl, combine the finely ground pecans, finely ground graham cracker crumbs, 1 1/2 tablespoons white sugar, and cinnamon. Sprinkle the pecan topping on the cheesecake. Carefully press the pecan topping into the sides of the cheesecake. Garnish the top and sides with pecan halves.