CHOCOLATE FUDGE CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Sprinkle 1/2 cup toasted and chopped pecans evenly over the bottom of each of 2 greased and floured 9-inch springform pans.
• Microwave chocolate squares in a microwave-safe bowl at MEDIUM (50% power) 1 1/2 minutes, stirring at 30-second intervals until melted.
• Stir until smooth.
• Beat butter and 2 cups sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
• Add 4 eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until blended after each addition.
• Add melted chocolate, beating just until blended.
• Add flour, beating at low speed just until blended.
• Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla and chocolate morsels.
• Divide batter evenly between pans, spreading over chopped pecans.
• Beat cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth; add 1 3/4 cups sugar, beating until well blended.
• Add 7 eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until blended after each addition.
• Stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla.
• Divide cream cheese mixture evenly between each pan, spreading over brownie batter.
• Bake at 325° for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until set.
• Remove from oven; cool cheesecakes completely on wire racks.
• Spread top of each cooled cheesecake with 1 recipe Chocolate Glaze; cover and chill 8 hours.
• Remove sides of pans before serving. Garnish with mint sprigs and sliced strawberries, if desired.
• Chocolate Glaze:.
• Melt 1 (12-ounce) package semisweet chocolate morsels and 1/2 cup whipping cream in a 2-quart microwave-safe bowl at MEDIUM (50% power) 2 1/2 to 3 minutes or until chocolate begins to melt.
• Whisk until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth. If you wish, double the Chocolate Glaze recipe if making two cheesecakes.
• Makes about 2 cups.