Tasty Tuesday - Coconut Chocolate Cheesecake

Since we are about to celebrate a very romantic holiday, how about a delicious dessert? Cheesecake is one of my favorite desserts. In fact, every year for my birthday, my mom makes me one. Just the thought of cheesecake adds ten pounds, but go ahead and splurge! It is sooo worth it!!

Coconut Chocolate Cheesecake
Crust
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 tsp. vanilla
3 cups sweetened coconut flakes

Cheesecake
4 bars (4oz.) unsweetened baking chocolate broken into pieces
4 pkgs. (8oz. each) cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 Tbsp. vanilla
4 eggs
3/4 cup sweetened coconut flakes, toasted

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Mix all crust ingredients together and press in the bottom of a 9" spring form pan. Make sure to press up the sides of pan about 1". Bake 6-10 minutes or until lightly browned. Allow to cool completely.

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Melt baking chocolate according to package. In large bowl, combine cream cheese and sugar. Mix until well blended. Add eggs and melted chocolate. Blend just until combined. Stir in toasted coconut and vanilla. Pour over crust. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until almost set. Remove from oven and loosen sides of pan. Cool completely. Refrigerate until well chilled. Prepare glaze and spread over top of cheesecake. Refrigerate 15 minutes or until set. Serve and enjoy!

Chocolate Glaze
1 Tbsp. butter
1 bar (1 oz.) unsweetened baking chocolate
2 Tbsp. water
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 cup powdered sugar

Combine butter, chocolate, and water in small microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for one minute or until mixture is melted and smooth when stirred. Add vanilla and powdered sugar. Beat with a wire whisk until smooth. Spread over top of chilled cake.

This will make a yummy Valentine's Day dessert for you and your special someone to share. Enjoy!

Your Girlfriend,
Melinda