Date & Walnut Cheesecake with Chocolate Ganache

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups pitted dates
• 1 cup walnuts
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 16 ounces Norman's Kosher Cholov Yisroel Cream Cheese, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon corn syrup

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
3. Combine the dates, walnuts, and melted butter in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.
4. Press the mixture onto the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
5. In a large bowl, beat the Norman's Kosher Cholov Yisroel Cream Cheese and sugar until smooth.
6. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
7. Stir in the vanilla extract and heavy cream.
8. Pour the filling over the cooled crust and bake for 35-40 minutes or until set. Set aside to cool.
9. Heat the chopped chocolate, unsalted butter, and corn syrup in a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water until melted and smooth.
10. Spread the chocolate ganache over the cooled cheesecake.
11. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until ready to serve.