Oreo Cookie Chocolate Cheesecake

Ingredients:
32 Oreo cookies or chocolate sandwich cookies divided
8 oz. of good quality dark chocolate such as Ghiradelli chopped
4- 8 oz. pkgs. of cream cheese at room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
4 eggs

Directions:
Step 1:  Take 20 of the Oreo cookies and cut into quarters, then set aside. Take the remaining cookies and crush finely using a food processor or by hand in a plastic zip close bag for the crust.
Step 2:  Spray a 9 inch springform pan with cooking spray both sides and bottom. Put the cookies that your crushed finely into the bottom of the pan and spread evenly over the bottom. Bake for 10 minutes at 325 degrees F.
Step 3:  In a microwave safe bowl melt the chocolate by heating on high or medium power for 30 second intervals stirring in between until smooth.
Step 4:  In a large mixing bowl mix with electric beater, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Beat in vanilla, then beat  in the chocolate gradually until all incorporated.
Step 5:  Beat in eggs one at a time into the cream cheese chocolate mixture until all are incorporated. Measure out 1 1/2 cups of the quartered Oreo cookies and stir into the chocolate cheesecake mixture.
Step 6: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and then put the remainder of the Oreo cookies onto the top of the cheesecake evenly. Bake at 325 degrees F. for 50 to 60 minutes or until the middle is set. Take out of the oven and let cool. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Serves: 12