Friday, December 12, 2008

Peppermint Cheesecake Bites

This is a combination of several recipes since I couldn't find exactly what I was imagining.

2 c. crushed mint flavored Oreos, crushed in blender
3 Tbs. butter, melted

½ c. heavy cream
1 ¼ c. semi sweet chocolate chips

3 8 oz. packages cream cheese, room temp.
3 eggs, room temp
¾ c. sugar
1 ½ tsp. peppermint flavoring

3 candy canes, crushed

Crust:
Mix crushed Oreos and melted butter. Press into bottom of 9x13 pan.

Chocolate Ganache Layer:
Pour cream and chocolate chips into microwave safe bowl. Microwave 1 minute. Stir until chocolate is melted and smooth. Reserve ¼ c. for topping. Spread remaining ganache on top of crust. Place in refrigerator until filling is ready.

Cheesecake filling:
In mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and flavoring and beat until smooth. Add one egg at a time, beating and scraping down sides between each addition. Add ¼ c. crushed candy canes and stir. Pour over chilled crust. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.

Place reserved ganache in small Ziploc baggie. (If it has cooled too much to drizzle, microwave for 20 seconds.) Snip off a tiny corner and drizzle chocolate in diagonal strips across cheesecake. Sprinkle with remaining crushed candy canes. Chill overnight or at least 4 hours. Cut into small squares.

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