Turtle Cheesecake

Ingredients

• 2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted

• 1 (14 ounce) package caramels

• 1 (5 ounce) can evaporated milk
• 2 cups chopped pecans, toasted and divided

• 4 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate morsel, melted and slightly cooled
• whipped cream (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   Combine crumbs and butter; blend well.

2. 2

   Press into the bottom and 2 inches up the sides of a 10-inch springform pan.

3. 3

   Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until set; cool.

4. 4

   In a saucepan over low heat, melt caramels in milk, stirring until smooth.

5. 5

   Cool 5 minutes.

6. 6

   Pour into crust; top with 1 1/2 cups of pecans.

7. 7

   In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.

8. 8

   Add sugar and vanilla; mix well.

9. 9

   Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

10. 10

    Add chocolate; mix just until blended.

11. 11

    Carefully spread over pecans.

12. 12

    Bake at 350 degrees for 55-65 minutes or until filling is almost set.

13. 13

    Cool to room temperature.

14. 14

    Chill overnight.

15. 15

    Ganish with remaining pecans and whipped cream if desired.