Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake

(This recipe is from the Taste of Home 2000 cookbook.)

I've made this for Josh's birthday. It's VERY rich, and I don't usually say that about things.

1 1/2 c chocolate wafer crumbs.
2 Tbsp sugar
1/2 c butter or margarine, melted

Filling:
1/4 c semisweet chocoate chips
1/4 c whipping cream
3 pkg (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
1 c sugar
1/3 c baking cocoa
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla

Topping:
1 1/2 c semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 c whipping cream
1 tsp vanilla
whipped cream and mini chocolate kisses, optional

In a small bowl, combine cookie crumbs and sugar; stir in butter. Press onto the bottom and 1 1/2" up the sides of a greased 9" springform pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 min. Cool on a wire rack. Reduce heat to 325 degrees

In a saucepan over low heat, melt chocolate chips; stir til smooth. Remove from the heat; add cream and mix well. Set aside.

In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar til smooth. Add cocoa and beat well. Add eggs; beat on low just til combined. Stir in vanilla and reserved chocolate mixture just til blended. Pour over crust. Bake for 45-50 min or til center is almost set.

For topping, melt chocolate chips in a saucepan over low heat, stirring til smooth. Remove from the heat. Stir in cream and vanilla; mix well. Spread over filling. Refrigerate overnight.

Carefully run a knife around edges of pan to loosen. Remove sides of pan. Just before serving, garnish with whipped cream and mini chocolate kisses if desired. Makes 12 servings.