1/2 c. chocolate wafer crumbs
1/2 c. chopped almonds
1/4 c. butter

FILLING:

1 c. whipped cream
2 pkgs. cream cheese (8 oz.), softened
1 c. sugar
2 tbsp. butter, melted
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 (12 oz.) pkg. semi-sweet bits, melted and cooled
1 can cherry pie filling

Oven 325 degrees. Place pan with hot water lower rack.

In medium bowl, blend crust ingredients. Press into bottom and up sides of 9 inch springform pan. Refrigerate.

In large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Add melted chocolate chips, beat well. Add whipped cream, melted butter and vanilla; beat until smooth.

Pour into crust. Bake in preheated oven 55-65 minutes. Center will be soft. Cool 5 minutes. Remove sides of pan. Cool completely. Refrigerate several hours. Just before serving arrange cherries on top. 14-16 servings.