Christmas Peppermint Candy Cheesecake

Ingredients

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup melted butter, plus
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 1/2 cups sour cream
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup coarsely crushed candy cane
• whipped cream
• chocolate leaves
• more coarsely chopped candy canes

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 325.

2. 2

   Blend graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/4 cup melted butter in bottom of ungreased 8" springform pan; press mixture evenly over bottom.

3. 3

   In blender or food processor, blend sour cream, remaining 1/2 cup sugar, eggs, flour and vanilla until smooth.

4. 4

   Add cream cheese and blend; then blend in 2 tablespoons remaining melted butter until completely smooth.

5. 5

   Stir in crushed candy canes,then pour mixture over crust in pan.

6. 6

   Bake in lower third of oven for 45 minutes.

7. 7

   Remove; allow to cool.

8. 8

   Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

9. 9

   The chocolate leaves will form the petals of a poinsettia flower, with the crushed candy canes in the very center.