Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake

This recipe was one my mom used to make when we were little.  My dad wasn't able to have chocolate, so we couldn't often eat something like this.  But once a year he went away to a teaching conference, and we were so excited to see him go.  Not because we wanted to get rid of him, but it meant that we could have chocolate pie!!

Any time I make this, it still brings back memories of savouring every delicious bite, and competing with my older brother to see who could make it last longer!  The sad part about this recipe is that it included a raw egg (the yolk into one part, the white beaten and folded in later).  With all this salmonella talk, I can't bring myself to make it like that anymore (I've even stopped eating raw cookie dough!!).  Because of these changes, it's not quite as creamy as it used to be, but it tastes delicious nonetheless.

The original recipe calls for it to be made in a pie plate, but I can never get the graham crust to go up the sides and still come out cleanly, so I made it in an 8x8 dish.

Crust:
Mix together
1 1/2c. graham cracker crumbs (I love sneaking in healthier ingredients, so I substituted 1/4 c. of wheat germ for 1/4 of the crumbs - same colour, no change in taste!) with 1/4c. brown suger, 1/3c. melted margarine, and 1/4c. melted chocolate chips.  Press into dish, chill.

Melt 3/4 c. of chocolate chips in the microwave or double boiler.  I didn't have any chips on hand, but I had this wonderful Lindt dark chocolate(85% - really dark) that I got extremely cheap after Christmas.  Let cool.

Blend 1 pkg. softened cream cheese with 1/2 c. brown sugar and 1 tsp vanilla.   Beat in cooled chocolate.

Prepare 1 pkg Dream whip according to instructions (or use about 2 c. Cool Whip).  Whisk into cream cheese mixture.  Spread onto cooled crust.

Chill for a few hours.  Top with a bit of chocolate sauce.

 Enjoy!