Chocolate Almond Cheesecake Recipe

In a large bowl, combine the wafer crumbs, almonds and sugar; stir in butter. Press onto the bottom and 1-3/4 in. up the sides of a greased 9-in. springform pan. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. In a small saucepan, soften gelatin in milk; let stand for 5 minutes. Cook and stir over medium heat until gelatin is dissolved. Cool to room temperature, about 6 minutes. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sour cream and almond extract until smooth. Beat in melted chocolate and gelatin mixture. Fold in whipped cream. Spoon into crust. Cover and chill for 6 hours or overnight. Just before serving, run a knife around edge of pan to loosen. Remove sides of pan. Garnish with chocolate kisses, almonds and additional whipped cream. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 12 servings.