CHOCOLATE-COVERED CHEESECAKE SQUARES

By ctozzi

Ingredients

• FILLING:
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 pkg (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• COATING:
• 24 squares (1 oz each) semisweet chocolate
• 3 Tbsp shortening

Preparation

Step 1

Line a 9-inch baking pan with foil and grease the foil. In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, pecans and butter. Press insto prepared pan; set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar and sour cream until smooth. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Stir in vanilla. Pour over crust.

Bake at 325 for 35-40 minutes or center is almost set. Cool slightly. Using foil, lift cheesecake out of pan. Gently peel off foil; cut into 49 squares. Remove a few pieces at a time for dipping; keep remaining squares refrigerated until ready to dip.

Using a toothpick, completely dip squares, one at a time, in melted chocolate. Place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets; spoon about 1 tsp chocolate over each. (Reheat chocolate if needed to finish dipping). Let stand 20 minutes or until set. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.