Frozen Mocha Chocolate Cheesecake

This recipe for Frozen Mocha Chocolate Cheesecake comes to me from my dear friend Michelle. I have struggled with the idea of preparing it. Michelle passed away in May.

Michelle and I met in college, we were the same age, and grew up in the same neighbourhood, but we didn't become friends until our 20s. At college, we spent every day together. She was the best of humans; wonderfully kind with a mischievous side and Michelle had an absolute love for life. She never wasted a second of it. Every day with her felt exciting and new.

Last year we reconnected at an impromptu college reunion, and in the weeks following, we kept talking. I learned she was battling cancer. Michelle was determined to live for her two girls and her husband. She didn’t speak of the pain or fear; she was optimistic and positive. Michelle usually biked to her chemo appointments. She was always active, even when she was sick.

Last September she visited on a cool afternoon, and we walked my dog. We spent the time together talking about life and the past, we talked about her family and mine. Even as a sudden fall rainstorm broke out, we didn't rush home, we kept walking, and we laughed about it. Over the next few months we shared a few more walks, and then she was gone.

Last year as I was getting ready to launch this blog, I asked Michelle if she would share a recipe with me which I could prepare here. She sent me this one. She said it was a dessert her mom made for family gatherings and Michelle said it was always requested by friends. This dessert is delicious, and it is special to me. Every moment I spent making it reminded me of her.

We miss you Michelle.

Frozen Mocha Chocolate Cheesecake

Serves 8

Prep time: 15mins (2 hours in the freezer)

Crust

•1 1/2 cups Oreo cookie crumbs (2 tbsps. of crumbs reserved for topping)

•1/3 cup melted butter

Filling

•2 packages of Cream Cheese (softened) (250g x2)

•2/3 cup chocolate syrup

•1 tablespoon Instant coffee dissolved in 1 teaspoon of hot water

•1 can condensed milk (300ml)

•1 cup Whipped Cream

Directions:

1. Mix the butter and Oreo crumbs. Pack the crust into a 9.5 inch prepared pie plate.(don't pack the crumb crust too tightly)

2. In a mixer add the softened cream cheese (mix until smooth)

3. Add chocolate syrup

4. Add dissolved instant coffee. Add condensed milk

5. Mix filling until smooth.

6. Fold in whipped cream

7. Sprinkle with 1 tbsp of Oreo Crumbs

Freeze it!

Enjoy!