SOUTHWEST CHEESECAKE

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup finely crushed tortilla chips
3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
2 packages (8 ounces ea) cream cheese, softened
1 packet taco seasoning
2 eggs
1 package shredded Colby/Montery Jack cheese
1 can (4 ounce) chopped green chilies, drained
1 cup sour cream
1 cup chopped bell pepper
1/2 cup sliced green onion
1/3 cup chopped tomatoes
1/4 cup pitted ripe olive slices
 
DIRECTIONS 
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Stir in chips and butter in
small bowl; press into 9-inch spring form pan. Bake
15 minutes. Beat cream cheese and eggs in large mixing
bowl at medium speed until well blended. Mix in shredded
cheese and chilies; pour over crust and bake 30 minutes.
Spread sour cream over cheesecake. Loosen cake from rim
of pan; cool before removing rim of pan. Refrigerate
until ready to serve at least 30 minutes. Top with
remaining ingredients just before serving.

TIP: you can also add 1/2 packet of taco seasoning with
the cheese and chilies if you want a bit more spice.

Yield: 16-20 servings  
Category: Appetizers

Serve with Pico De Gallo, if desired.