Mocha Almond Dessert

Ingredients

• 1 cup cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 2/3 cup chocolate syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons instant coffee granules
• 1 tablespoon hot water
• 1 cup whipped topping
• 1/3 cup chopped almonds, toasted
• Chocolate-covered coffee beans, optional

Directions

• In a small bowl, combine the cookie crumbs, sugar and butter. Press onto the bottom and 1 in. up the sides of a greased 9-in. springform pan; set aside.
• In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, milk, chocolate syrup and vanilla until smooth. Dissolve coffee granules in hot water; beat into cream cheese mixture. Fold in whipped topping and almonds. Pour over crust. Cover and freeze for 8 hours or overnight.
• Remove from the freezer 10-15 minutes before serving. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen. Garnish with coffee beans if desired. Yield: 10-12 servings.