#3036 - Mint Chocolate Chip Cheesecake

(by Shirley McNevich)

1 ready-made chocolate crust
12oz. Philadelphia cream cheese (softened)
2/3 cup white sugar
1 tsp. peppermint extract
2 drops McCormick green food coloring
2 eggs
3/4 cup Nestle's mini chocolate bits
1 - 8oz. Cool Whip (thawed)
extra Nestle's mini chocolate bits for sprinkling

In a mixer add cream cheese and white sugar--beat. Add peppermint extract and green food coloring--beat. Add eggs--beat. Remove bowl from mixer--add 3/4 cup mini chocolate bits--stir to mix. Pour batter into the ready-made chocolate crust. Bake at 325 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until almost set. Cool completely. Spread Cool Whip over the top of the pie, then sprinkle more mini chocolate bits over the Cool Whip. Refrigerate until cold.