Pot Luck Party Challenge at N&T

Last month, I made this absolutely delicious Mint Chocolate Chip Cheesecake for our daughter's birthday. It was simple to make, and incredibly wonderful. I wanted to share, and when I saw Neat and Tangleds Birthday Pot Luck Party challenge, well, the timing could not have been better. It's great for a party! The recipe will be below the photo.

(adapted from a recipe at Cooks.com)

1 1/2 finely crushed mint Oreo cookies (18 of them in my food processor worked perfectly!)

2-3 TBS melted butter

3 - pkgs. softened cream cheese (I used the lower calorie Neufchatel which was fine)

1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk

3 eggs

1 tsp. peppermint extract

5 drops green food coloring

1 c. mini chocolate chips

1 TBS flour

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Combine cookie crumbs and butter. Press firmly on bottom of 9" springform pan.

In large mixing bowl, beat cheese till fluffy. Gradually beat in sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Add eggs, peppermint, and food coloring and mix well. In small bowl, toss 1/2 the chip with flour to coat; stir into cheese mixture.

Pour into prepared pan. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 of chips evenly over top. Bake 1 hour or until cake springs back when lightly touched. Cool to room temperature. Chill thoroughly. Garnish as desired. Refrigerate any leftovers.

It's quick enough to make on semi-short notice, and elegant enough to serve for those more formal occasions. I can tell you that I honestly will make this again. And again. And again! Happy dances everyone! And Happy Birthday to Neat & Tangled!!