COOKIE CRUST FOR CHEESECAKE RECIPES

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine cookie crumbs and sugar; stir in butter. Press onto the bottom and 1 in. up the sides of a greased 9-in. springform pan. Place pan on a baking sheet; set aside. , In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in sour cream and vanilla. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Pour over crust; set aside. , In another bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add water and vanilla. Gradually add flour and mix well. Stir in 1 cup chocolate chips. , Drop dough by teaspoonfuls over filling, gently pushing dough below surface (dough should be completely covered by filling). Place pan on a baking sheet., Bake at 350° for 45-55 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight., Remove sides of pan. Sprinkle with remaining chips. Refrigerate leftovers.

Steps:

• Combine crumbs and butter; press into bottom of a 9- or 10-in. springform pan. Freeze. Whip 1-1/2 cups whipping cream until stiff peaks form; refrigerate. , In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar; blend thoroughly. Fold cut cookies into filling along with chilled whipped cream. Spread filling evenly into crust, smoothing top and spreading to edges. Cover and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight. Freeze 1 hour before serving., Meanwhile, melt chocolate in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; cool slightly. Whisk in vanilla and remaining 1/2 cup whipping cream. Loosen cheesecake from pan by running knife around edge; remove from pan. , Spread chocolate glaze over cheesecake. If desired, top with whipped cream and additional Oreo cookies to serve.