Christmas Cheesecake

Crust

• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1/2 cup crushed pink and green after diner mints
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine

Filling

• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 envelope (1 tbsp.) gelatin
• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 eggs, separated
• 8 oz. cream cheese
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup whipping cream
• 1 cup (6 oz.) semi sweet chocolate chips melted
• 2 tbs. crushed pink and green after mints

Crust
Combine flour, mints and vanilla. Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Press into bottom of a 9" square pan. Bake at 400 degrees F. for 12 - 15 minutes, until delicately browned. Cool.

Filling
In saucepan, combine 1/3 cup sugar, salt and gelatin. Add milk and slightly beaten egg yolks. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. Remove from heat. Add cream cheese; allow to soften then beat until smooth. In small mixer bowl, combine egg whites and vanilla. Beat at high speed until foamy. Add sugar gradually, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Fold into cooled gelatin mixture. Whip cream until thick. Fold into gelatin mixture. Divide mixture in half. Fold melted chocolate into half; Spoon over baked crust. Spoon vanilla filling over chocolate. Sprinkle crushed after dinner mints on top. Chill at least 2 hrs. before serving.