Irish Cream Cheesecake

Ingredients

• 1 cup Graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 envelope unflavored gelatine
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 eggs, separated
• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons cocoa
• 2 tablespoons bourbon*
• 1 cup whipping cream, whipped

Instructions

1. Combine crumbs, sugar and butter; press onto bottom of a 9 inch springform pan.
2. Soften gelatine in water; stir over low heat until dissolved.
3. Blend in 3/4 cup sugar and beaten egg yolks; cook, stirring constantly, over low heat for 3 minutes.
4. Combine cream cheese and cocoa, mixing at medium speed of electric mixer until well blended.
5. Gradually add gelatine mixture and bourbon, mixing until blended. Chill until thickened but not set.
6. Beat egg whites until foamy; gradually add remaining sugar, beating until stiff peaks form.
7. Fold egg whites and whipped cream into cream cheese mixture; pour over crust. Chill until firm.
8. Garnish by placing long chocolate curls in spoke fashion around center of cheesecake. Fill the center with silver candy balls, if desired.

Notes

* Substitute 2 tablespoons cold coffee for the bourbon.