Instructions

  1. Lightly grease sides of 8 or 9-inch springform pan.
  2. Combine crust ingredients; mix well.
  3. Press evenly over bottom of pan.
  4. Chill while preparing filling.
  5. In bowl of electric mixer, combine Ricotta cheese, brown sugar, cocoa, half-and-half, flour, vanilla and salt; beat until smooth.
  6. Add eggs, one at a time; beat until smooth.
  7. Stir in walnuts.
  8. Pour batter over crust. Bake at 350 F 1 hour and 10 minutes or until center is just set. Turn off oven; cool in oven with door propped open 30 minutes.
  9. Remove to wire cooling rack; loosen cake from rim of pan with metal spatula.
  10. Cool completely; chill at least 4 hours.
  11. If desired, sift confectioners sugar over cheesecake immediately before serving, or ice with suggested icing and garnish with chocolate curls and whole walnuts.