Ferrero Rocher Cheesecake

EVENT:FOODIEMONDAY/BLOGHOP
THEME:#175 CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

The month of December, just becomes so different than the rest of the months. People start preparing for Christmas, people look forward to holiday time, people look forward to meeting up with family. Christmas season has been an exciting time for me since I was a little kid.

In primary school it was the excitement of bringing something from home to decorate the Christmas tree and something special to share with all in the class for the end of the term Christmas Party.

December also meant that we were required to go to the shop to help out as that was the busiest period of the whole year, did I mention it was a toy shop called Hobby Centre. We would be busy serving customers and when we closed the shop in the evening, time was spent wrapping presents. Huge orders were given by companies for their staff Christmas Party and their kids would be given toys or story books as gifts.

When I left for boarding school, it became a month when I would look forward to going home to be with my parents and the large family.

The festive look that the whole of Nairobi experiences, is not the same in Mombasa. Few places get decorated, hotels put up trees and decorations and that’s about all. However for me its a time when I get to celebrate my hubby’s birthday (Christmas baby) and now added to the list, my daughter’s wedding anniversary.

This week the FoodieMonday/Blophop group decided to make something special for Christmas. I know its still a few days away, but we decided to prepare the dishes early so our followers and friends can get an idea if to prepare something different for the Christmas party, lunches or dinners.

This time, instead of baking cakes, cookies or breads, I decided to make an easy peasy dessert. Everyone needs a bit of dessert especially when you’re celebrating and are in a festive mood. This dessert was also made to celebrate my daughter’s 2nd wedding anniversary.

When my son in law decided to visit us from Dubai, just for 4 days, he brought a selection of chocolates for hubby and me. Among them was my all time favorite Ferrero Rocher. I saved a few(more like hid them) before the family devoured them all. Making muffins or a dessert with Ferrero Rocher had been on my list for like ever! Here was the right opportunity and my daughter opted for dessert.

Lets get straight to the recipe without dillydallying too much. Its a great party pleaser, easy to make and can make them in individual containers so that its easy to serve.

FERRERO ROCHER CHEESECAKE

Makes 6-8

For the Base:

100g ( about 1 cup cookie crumbs) digestive biscuits or cookies of your choice

2-3 tbsp melted butter

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tbsp cocoa powder

For the Cheesecake:

250g (1¼ cup) cream cheese

200ml (1 cup) fresh whipping cream, chilled

3-4 tbsp powdered sugar

4 tbsp chocolate chips (dark or milk)

6-8 Ferrero Rocher, lightly crushed

For Topping:

6-8 Ferrero Rocher

½ cup chopped hazelnuts or nuts of your choice

Preparation of the base:

1. Lightly crush the digestive biscuits. I prefer to use a rolling pin as I like the crumbs to be a bit coarse.
2. Add the cocoa powder and mix well.
3. Add melted butter and vanilla extract. Mix well.
4. Divide the mixture between 6-8 small glasses or bowls.
5. Press it down lightly using a teaspoon.
6. Put the glasses/bowls in the fridge till you get the cheesecake filling ready.

To prepare the cheesecake filling:

1. Melt chocolate chips in a microwave oven or over hot water. Let it cool before you add to the mixture.
2. Whip the fresh cream to a soft peak consistency.
3. Add sugar to the cream cheese and whip till the mixture is smooth.
4. Add the melted chocolate and whipped cream. Whip lightly to mix.
5. Add the crushed Ferrero Rocher and mix it into the cream cheese mixture lightly.
6. Spoon the mixture on top of the base using a spoon or icing bag.
7. Let the cheesecake chill in the fridge for 6-8 hours or till it sets.

To Serve:

1. Sprinkle some chopped nuts on top.
2. Top the cheesecake with a Ferrero Rocher and serve.

Tips:

• Instead of melted chocolate and crushed Ferrero Rocher, use Nutella (about 4-6 tbsp).
• Can use cookies/biscuits of your choice.
• I used cashew nuts and walnuts as I didn’t get hazelnuts.
• For larger parties, its best to make mini portions.
• Add sugar according to your taste. If your’e using Nutella add sugar accordingly.

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A little request:

If you do try this recipe then please either

• add a comment below,
• send a picture to my email mayuri.ajay.patel62@gmail.com
•  tag me as #mayuri_jikoni on Instagram
• or tag me on Twitter as #Mayuri1962

You may want to check out the following desserts:

Cherry Cheesecake

Apple Crumble Cheesecake

Phyllo Cheesecake Cups

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