* Crust: * 3/4 cup wafer-cookie or graham cracker crumbs * 1/8 teaspoon almond extract * 1 tablespoon sugar * 3 tablespoons butter, melted * Filling: * 1 cup ricotta cheese (light) * 12 ounces cream cheese, light (neufchatel) * 1 cup sugar * 2 eggs * 3 tablespoons whipping cream * 1/4 cup amaretto * 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon cocoa * 1/4 cup all-purpose flour * 1 teaspoon vanilla * 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate mini-morsels
PREPARATION: Combine crust ingredients and pat into a 7-inch springform pan. Beat the cheeses with the sugar until smooth; add eggs and whipping cream and beat for about 3 minutes on medium speed of an electric hand-held mixer.
Add amaretto, cocoa, flour and vanilla; beat for about 1 more minute. Stir in semi-sweet chocolate morsels; pour into prepared pan. Place the cheesecake on a rack in the Crock Pot (or use a "ring" of aluminum foil to keep it off the bottom of the pot). Cover and cook on high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Let stand in the covered pot (after turning it off) for about 1 to 2 hours, until cool enough to handle. Cool thoroughly before removing pan sides. Chill before serving; store leftovers in the refrigerator.
