Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cheesecake

Ingredients:

Crust:

• 1/2 cup toasted pecans, cooled and crushed
• 2 cups chocolate Oreo cookie crumbs
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 6 tablespoons melted butter

Filling:

• 2 1/4 lbs cream cheese, at room temp
• 1 2/3 cups sugar
• 5 eggs, at room temp
• 1 cup Baileys Original Irish Cream
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Coffee Cream Topping:

• 1 cup chilled whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon instant coffee powder
• chocolate curls or Skor English toffee bit, for decoration on top

Directions:

Crust:

1. Mix all ingredients.
2. Press into a 10" spring form pan and up the sides one inch.
3. Bake at 325 for 7-10 minute.

Filling:

1. Beat cream cheese with electric mixer until smooth.
2. Beat sugar in gradually, and then add eggs one at a time.
3. Blend in Bailey's and vanilla.
4. Sprinkle half of chocolate chips over crust.
5. Spoon in filling.
6. Sprinkle with remaining chocolate chips.
7. Bake at 325 degrees approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes or until puffed, springy in center and golden brown. Place a pan of water on bottom rack of oven while baking to keep it moist.
8. Cool cake completely.

Coffee Cream Topping:

1. Beat all ingredients and spread over cooled cake.
2. Top with chocolate curls or Skor bits.
3. *NOTE: Be sure to make and refrigerate at least one day before serving.