Smoked Gouda & Chive Cheesecake with Whiskey & Chocolate Filling and Chocolate Ganache Topping

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Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups smoked gouda cheese shredded
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 ½ cups crushed pretzels
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• 3 containers (8 oz each) Norman's Kosher Cholov Yisroel Cream Cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup whiskey
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350F.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter, crushed pretzels, smoked gouda cheese, and chopped chives.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
4. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the Norman's Kosher Cholov Yisroel Cream Cheese until smooth and creamy.
5. Add the sugar, vanilla extract, and whiskey, and mix until combined.
6. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
7. Stir in the chocolate chips until well combined.
8. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust.
9. Bake for 50 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
11. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
12. Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips.
13. Stir until the chocolate chips are completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
14. Pour the chocolate ganache over the cooled cheesecake and spread it into an even layer.
15. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, until the cheesecake is completely chilled and set before serving.