Crust:

1 cup chocolate wafer crumbs

2 tablespoons butter, melted

1 tablespoon sugar

 

Filling:

1 cup sugar

1⁄3 cup all-purpose flour 

1⁄4 teaspoon salt

2 cartons (15 ounces each) ricotta cheese

6 large eggs, lightly beaten 

2 teaspoons vanilla extract 

1 teaspoon freshly grated orange peel

1 can (15 ounces) pear halves, drained & evenly sliced

 

Topping:

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted

 

To make crust: In small bowl combine crust ingredients. Press firmly into bottom of 9-inch springform pan.

 

To make filling: In small bowl combine 1 cup sugar, flour and salt; stir to mix. Set aside. In large bowl of electric mixer, beat ricotta cheese at low speed until smooth. Gradually add eggs, beating at low speed until smooth. Stir in sugar mixture, vanilla and orange peel; mix until smooth. Pour onto prepared crust.

 

Bake at 325°F for 1 hour. Remove from oven; arrange pear slices on top. Return to oven. Bake for additional 20 to 30 minutes or until top is golden brown and knife inserted into center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack. Drizzle with melted chocolate. Chill in refrigerator 4 hours or overnight. Makes 12 servings.