1/2 c sliced almonds (toasted for 10 mins at 350 degrees, prior to using) .
2 c sugar .
For The Filling .
1 (12 oz) package mini chocolate chips .
3 eggs .
8 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips .
1 pint sour cream .
For The Crust .
6 (8 oz) packages cream cheese .
3/4 c butter .
1/4 c heavy whipping cream .
1/4 c whipping cream .
8 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips .
1/4 c sugar
Directions
Step #1 For the crust:.
Step #2 Melt butter & mix together with other crust ingredients.
Step #3 Spray an 11-inch springform pan with nonstick cooking spray & press crumb mixture in bottom & up the sides of the pan.
Step #4 For the filling:.
Step #5 Beat cream cheese with sugar & eggs until well mixed.
Step #6 Add sour cream, vanilla & flour.
Step #7 Melt 8 oz of semi-sweet chips in a microwave for 1-2 mins with 1/4 c of whipping cream(watch carefully:)).
Step #8 Stir to mix.
Step #9 Add to cream cheese mixture, beating with a mixer for 2-3 mins.
Step #10 (I often do this by hand because of fear of overbeating at this stage in the game.
Step #11 ).
Step #12 Fold in the 12 oz package of mini chocolate chips.
Step #13 Pour mixture into prepared springform pan & bake this at 350 degrees for 45 mins or until center is no longer wobbly.
Step #14 Remove from oven & let cool.
Step #15 For The Topping:.
Step #16 Combine semisweet chocolate chips with whipping cream.
Step #17 Melt in the microwave for 1-2 mins(watch carefully).
Step #18 Stir & spread on top of cooled cake.
Step #19 Place in refrigerator for 8-24 hrs before serving.
Step #20 *Please note again this requires an 11-inch springform pan.
Step #21 *If desired you can run a butter knife along the edges of the cheesecake after it has cooled & before it goes into the refrigerator, so that it will release more cleanly & easily from the pan later on.