Chocolate Bourbon Cheesecake

Chocolate Bourbon Cheesecake

Ingredients:
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup margarine, melted
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
1/2 cup cold water
1 cup granulated sugar, divided
3 eggs, separated
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons cocoa
2 tablespoons bourbon
1 cup whipping cream, whipped
Chocolate curls and silver candy balls, for garnish (optional)

Directions:
1. Combine the crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar and margarine; press onto the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
2. Soften the gelatin in the water and stir over low heat until dissolved. Blend in 3/4 cup of the sugar and the beaten egg yolks; cook, stirring constantly, over low heat 3 minutes.
3. Beat the cream cheese and cocoa at medium speed until well blended. Gradually add the gelatin mixture and bourbon. Chill until thickened but not set.
4. Beat the egg whites until foamy; gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and beat to stiff peaks. Fold the egg whites and whipped cream into the cheese mixture and pour over the crust. Chill until firm.
5. Garnish with long chocolate curls arranged like spokes around the center, and fill the center with silver candy balls if desired.

Variation:
Use 2 tablespoons cold coffee instead of the bourbon.