Warm Fudge-Filled Cheesecake

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon vanilla, divided
• 2/3 cup chopped pistachios
• 4 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 (12-ounce) package semisweet chocolate mini-morsels
• Sweetened whipped cream (optional)
• Garnish: chocolate shavings

Preparation

1. Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; add 1/3 cup sugar, beating well. Gradually add flour, beating at low speed until blended. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla and pistachios. Press into bottom and 1 1/2 inches up sides of a 9-inch springform pan.
2. Bake at 350° for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden. Cool on a wire rack.
3. Beat cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer until light and fluffy; gradually add 1 1/2 cups sugar, beating well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until yellow disappears. Stir in remaining 2 teaspoons vanilla. (Do not overmix.)
4. Pour half of batter into crust; sprinkle with chocolate morsels to within 3/4 inch of edge. Pour in remaining batter, starting at outer edge and working toward center. Place cheesecake on a baking sheet.
5. Bake at 350° for 1 hour or until set. Cool on a wire rack 1 hour. Serve slightly warm with sweetened whipped cream, if desired. Garnish, if desired.