Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake

Directions

1. 1
   Combine crumbs and margarine, press onto bottom and sides of 9-inch springform pan.
2. 2
   Bake at 350F for 10 minutes.
3. 3
   In 1-1/2-quart heavy saucepan, melt caramels with milk over low heat, stirring frequently, until smooth.
4. 4
   Pour over crust.
5. 5
   Top with pecans.
6. 6
   Combine cream cheese, sugar and vanilla, mixing at medium speed on electric mixer until well blended.
7. 7
   Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
8. 8
   Blend in chocolate, pour over pecans.
9. 9
   Bake at 350F for 40 minutes.
10. 10
    Loosen cake from rim of pan; cool before removing rim of pan.
11. 11
    Chill.
12. 12
    Garnish with whipped cream, additional chopped nuts and maraschino cherries, if desired.