Cheesecake with Chocolate and Mascarpone

Cheesecake with Chocolate and Mascarpone

INGREDIENTS:

• 200g of cookies (Digestive type)
• 100g melted butter
• 300g mascarpone cheese
• 200g dark chocolate
• 100g icing sugar
• 300ml whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
• Fresh fruits to decorate (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. **Prepare the Base:**
  to.  Crush the cookies until you obtain fine crumbs.
  b.  Mix the cookie crumbs with the melted butter.
  c.  Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan to form the tart base.  Refrigerate while you prepare the filling.

2. **Prepare the Filling:**
  to.  Melt the dark chocolate in the microwave or in a bain-marie and let it cool slightly.
  b.  In a large bowl, mix the mascarpone cheese with the powdered sugar until you obtain a smooth mixture without lumps.
  c.  Add the melted chocolate to the bowl and mix well.
  d.  In another bowl, whip the cream until firm.
  and.  Add the whipped cream to the chocolate and mascarpone mixture, mixing gently so as not to lose air.

3. **Assemble the Cake:**
  to.  Pour the mixture over the cookie base in the mold.
  b.  Smooth the surface with a spatula and refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours, or until firm.

4. **Decorate and Serve:**
  to.  Before serving, sprinkle the surface of the cake with cocoa powder.
  b.  If you wish, decorate with fresh fruits.
  c.  Carefully unmold the cake and enjoy this delicious dessert!