Chocolate Graham Cracker Crust Recipe 385

Steps:

• Heat oven to 250 degrees. Line a 9- or 10-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
• In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar and melted butter, and use fingers to mix well. Press firmly into prepared pan, evenly covering the bottom and about 1/2 inch up the sides. Refrigerate until ready to bake.
• In a microwave or the top of a double boiler, heat sour cream and chocolate together just until chocolate is melted. Mix until smooth.
• In a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and fluffy, at least 2 minutes. Mix in eggs one at a time. At low speed, gradually pour in chocolate mixture and mix until smooth.
• Pour filling over the crust in the pan and bake about 1 1/2 hours, until top is set and dry but still jiggles in the center when you shake the pan.
• Set aside to cool and refrigerate until ready to serve, up to 2 days.
• For garnish, place graham crackers in a thick sealable plastic bag and crush, using your hands or a pot, into irregular crumbs. In a small skillet, melt butter until it foams. Add crumbs and cook, stirring, until lightly toasted and fragrant.
• When ready to serve, gently remove sides of springform pan. Serve chilled cheesecake in slices, sprinkled with crumbs and drizzled with chocolate ganache (if using).

Steps:

• 1. Grind up your graham crackers, two packs. (I use my food processor)You will have a little left over to sprinkle around your pies. Using a whisk, mix together the first three ingredients then add your melted butter using a fork. Evenly pour the crumbs into two 8" pie plates. Press firmly on the sides using your hands then press with a small round cup for a firmer crust.
• 2. Bake @ 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Cool completely before filling.
• 3. To make this pie: 1) prepare the crust as directed above. 2) cassie's creamy dreamy Peanut butter pie 3) top with Chocolate ganache: 1 cup heavy whipping cream heated up (not to a boil) then add 1 1/3 cups REAL simi sweet chocolate chips. Whisk until smooth and creamy then pour over pies, spread evenly then place in frig.