Place cookies in plastic bag and crush them into a fine crumb using a rolling pin. Alternatively, a food processor can be used to crush the cookies.
2. Step
Pour the cookie crumbs into a medium bowl with the melted butter and brown sugar. Mix until the crumbs take on the character of a coarse, wet sand.
3. Step
Pour the crumbs into a 9-inch (23 cm) spring pan. Press the crumb firmly into the pan, making sure to coat the bottom evenly.
4. Step
Once the crust has been formed, place it in the refrigerator to firm up.
5. Step
Add cream cheese, melted chocolate, cocoa powder, and sugar to a large bowl and whisk, either by hand or with an electric mixer, until all the ingredients are incorporated.
6. Step
NOTE: If mixing by hand, it is recommended to microwave the cream cheese slightly before whisking in order to soften it up.
7. Step
Add vanilla extract and eggs, and continue to whisk until mixture is smooth and glossy.
8. Step
In a separate bowl, combine heavy cream and powdered sugar. Whisk until the cream develops a mousse-y texture and soft peaks form.
9. Step
Adding a small amount at a time, carefully fold in the whipped cream into the cream cheese batter, being careful not to let the air out of the fluffy mixture. Fold just until incorporated.
10. Step
Once combined, pour the batter over the prepared cookie crust inside the springform pan. Use a spatula to smooth out the top. Give the pan a slight jiggle to release any large air bubbles that may be trapped in the batter.
11. Step
Preheat oven to 300˚F (150˚C).
12. Step
Place the filled pan on top of a sheet of aluminium foil and fold the foil up the sides on the outside of the pan. Then place the wrapped pan into a larger baking pan or dish lined with 2 paper towels at the bottom.
13. Step
NOTE: The aluminium foil will keep water from seeping into the bottom of the pan and the paper towels ensure that the heat is distributed evenly along the bottom of the pan.
14. Step
Fill the larger pan with about 1 inch (2 ½ cm) of hot water.
15. Step
Bake at 300˚F (150˚C) for 60-70 minutes--checking every 15-20 minutes to add more hot water to the larger dish, as necessary.
16. Step
Once out of the oven, immediately run a small sharp knife around the outside of the cheesecake to release it from the pan. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely before removing it from the pan.
17. Step
Prepare the ganache by combining chocolate chips with hot cream. Stir until chocolate is completely melted and ganache is smooth and glossy.
18. Step
Pour ganache evenly over the cooled cheesecake.
19. Step
Refrigerate the ganache covered cake for 30 minutes before cutting and serving.
