TURTLE CHEESECAKE

Prepare crust as in cheesecake recipe.  Place 1/2 bag of unwrapped caramels and 1/4 c milk in saucepan and melt.  Pour half of caramel into crust.  Sprinkle with pecans and mini chocolate chips.  Refrigerate 10 minutes.

In small bowl with mixer, beat 12 oz cream cheese until soft. Add 6 T sugar and 1 1/2 tsp vanilla.  Beat in 2 eggs, one at a time, until well blended.  Pour over crust

Bake 35 minutes or until set at 300 degrees.  Cool and refrigerate.

Warm reserved caramel and drizzle over cheesecake before serving.  May also melt a square of semi-sweet chocolate to drizzle over caramel and sprinkle with pecans.