White Chocolate Cheesecake

This makes a delicious cheesecake that gets oohs and aahs every time it is served. It is wonderful for any holiday or special occasion. You can garnish this with strawberries and powdered sugar, if desired, or choose a garnish that you prefer.

• Ready In: 2 hrs 5 mins
• Serves: 12-14

Ingredients

• Crust

• 1 1⁄2 cups flour
• 1⁄2 cup sugar
• 1⁄2 cup margarine
• 1⁄2 cup  finely chopped  toasted almonds or 1⁄2 cup  finely chopped toasted  macadamia nuts
• 4 (1 ounce)  squares  white baking chocolate, grated
• 1  egg, beaten

• Filling

• 8 (1 ounce)  squares  white baking chocolate, chopped
• 1⁄3 cup  whipping cream
• 1  tablespoon vanilla
• 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 3  eggs

Directions

1. Prepare crust: Combine flour and sugar; cut in margarine until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in remaining ingredients; mix well. Press onto bottom and up sides of 9-inch springform pan. Chill.
2. Prepare filling: Combine chocolate and cream in a double boiler; cook, stirring constantly, over simmering water until chocolate is melted. Stir in vanilla; keep warm.
3. Combine cream cheese and milk, mixing at medium speed on electric mixer until well blended. Add eggs, one a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in chocolate mixture; mix well. Pour over crust.
4. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour and 20 minutes. Loosen cake from rim of pan; cool before removing rim of pan. Chill. Garnish as desired.