Cannoli Cheesecake......oh my!

Cheesecake that tastes like a cannoli?  What's not to love?  This was such an easy dessert to put together....

     For the crust:

1 ½ cups Vanilla Wafers Crushed

2 tbs granulated sugar

¼ cup butter, melted

Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees.  Begin by taking two pieces of aluminum foil, and cover the bottom and sides of your 9" spring pan.  You do this because you are going to sit the pan in 1" of water while it cooks.  Mix these ingredients together and press into the bottom and up the sides of your pan.  Bake for 10 minutes, and allow to cool before pouring in your filling.

     For the Filling:

2 ½ large tubs of ricotta cheese

1 ½ cups granulated sugar

½ cup all-purpose flour

1 tbs vanilla

2 tsp freshly grated orange rind

7 eggs lightly beaten

miniature chocolate chips

Begin by combining the ricotta cheese and sugar in a mixer, and beat until smooth.  Add in the flour, vanilla, and orange rind and continue to beat until well mixed.  Now turn down the mixer to low and add the eggs, one at a time, only long enough to incorporate them.

Pour the batter into the spring pan and sprinkle the mini chocolate chips over the top.  Place the pan inside another pan and fill with about 1" of water.

Bake in the 350 degree oven for at least 75 minutes, or until the center is almost set, and the top has a nice golden color.

When the cake is done, remove the pan from the water and let cool for about 10 minutes.  Now, take the aluminum foil off and run a sharp knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the cake.  Let the cake remain in the pan for a good hour more.  At this time, remove the sides of the pan, sprinkle the top with confectioners sugar and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Get ready for all of the oohs and ahhs....!