1 c Pecan halves
3 tb Butter or margarine
1 lb Cream cheese; softened
1 c Packed light brown sugar
1/3 c Cocoa
3 Eggs
1 ts Vanilla extract
Sweetened whipped cream
Chocolate Crust
1 c Vanilla wafer crumbs
1/4 c Powdered sugar
1/4 c Cocoa
1/4 c Butter or margarine; melted
Crust: Heat oven to 350 degrees. In medium bowl, stir together crumbs,
powdered sugar and cocoa. Add butter; blend well. Press mixture onto
bottom and 1 inch up side of 9-inch springform pan. Bake 8 minutes.
Cook slightly.
Cake: Set aside 12 pecan halves for garnish; finely chop remaining
pecans (will have about 3/4 cup). In medium skillet, melt butter; add
chopped pecans. Saute over medium heat, stirring frequently, just
until golden. Place pecans on paper towels to drain. Heat oven to 400
degrees. In large mixer bowl, beat cream cheese and brown sugar until
well blended. Add cocoa; beat until blended. Blend in eggs and
vanilla. Stir in chopped pecans; pour into crust. Bake 10 minutes.
Reduce oven temperature to 250 degrees; continue baking 45 minutes.
With knife loosen cake from side of pan. Cool completely; remove side
of pan. Refrigerate at least 6 hours. Garnish with whipped cream and
pecan halves. Refrigerate leftovers. 10 to 12 servings
Yields
12 servings