CAPPUCCINO CHEESECAKE

1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs

6 tbsp butter, melted
1 1/4 cups mini milk chocolate chips, divided
4 pkgs (8-oz each) cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup sugar
3 eggs
1/3 cup milk
1 tbsp instant espresso powder
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine the cookie crumbs and butter. Press the mixture into bottom and 1-inch up the side of a 9-inch springform pan; set aside.

In a small saucepan, melt 1 cup of the mini chips over low heat, stirring constantly. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until well blended using medium speed of an electric mixer. Add eggs, milk, espresso powder, and cinnamon; beat on low speed until well blended. Add melted chips; beat on medium speed 2 minutes. Spoon into the crust. Bake 55 minutes. Remove from oven and set on a wire rack to cool. Cool for 15 minutes then using a knife, loosen cake from the sides of the pan. Cool completely then remove the side of the pan. Cover cake and refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving. Before serving, garnish with the Espresso Cream, recipe follows, and the remaining mini chips.

Espresso Cream: Beat 1/2 cup cold whipping cream, 2 tbsp powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder until stiff.

file photo for reference