Dreamy Chocolate Pear Cheesecake

Dreamy Chocolate Pear Cheesecake

Crust:
1 cup chocolate graham crumbs
2 Tablespoons melted butter
1 Tablespoon granulated sugar

Filling:
1 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup flour
¼ teaspoon salt
32 oz Ricotta cheese
6 large eggs, slightly beaten
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon freshly grated orange peel
1 can (15oz) pear halves, drained, sliced evenly

Topping:
½ cup melted semi-sweet chocolate chips

To make crust, in small bowl combine crust ingredients. Press firmly onto bottom of 9 inch springform pan lined with parchment paper, edges cut.

To make filling, in small bowl combine 1 cup sugar, flour, and salt; set aside. In large bowl of electric mixer, beat ricotta cheese at low speed until smooth. Add eggs gradually, beating at low speed until smooth. Stir in sugar mixture, vanilla, and orange peel, mix until smooth. Pour into prepared crust.

Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Remove from oven, arrange pear slices on top. Return to oven and bake an additional 30 minutes. Cool on wire rack. Drizzle with melted chocolate. Chill in refrigerator overnight.

Serves 12