Chocolate Marble Cheesecake

FILLING
1 c Fat-free cottage cheese
4 Egg whites
1 c Yogurt Cheese*
8 oz Light cream cheese
3/4 c Plus 2 tablespoons sugar
1 tb All-purpose flour
1 ts Vanilla
1/4 c Unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ts Almond extract

This cheesecake is always a hit dessert. Unfortunately, though, one serving
of its original version could have wiped out your fat budget for an entire
day. But here’s its healthy counterpart with only a fraction of the fat and
half the calories. Calories, fat and cholesterol were reduced by:

* Using a reduced-fat chocolate crumb crust * Replacing regular cream
cheese with a combination of light cream cheese, fat-free yogurt cheese and
fat-free cottage cheese * Using egg whites instead of whole eggs

TO MAKE THE CHOCOLATE CRUMB CRUST: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a
9-inch springform pan with no-stick spray; set aside. In a medium bowl,
stir together the crumbs and melted jam until well combined. Using your
fingers, lightly press the crumbs in the bottom and about 2 inches up the
sides of the pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes. Set the crust aside.
Increase the oven temperature to 375 degrees.

TO MAKE THE FILLING: In a clean, dry blender or food processor, blend or
process the cottage cheese until creamy and almost smooth. Add the egg
whites, then blend or process just until smooth. Add the yogurt cheese,
cream cheese, 3/4 cup sugar, flour and vanilla. Blend or process until
smooth. Transfer half of the filling to a bowl; stir in the cocoa,
remaining 2 tablespoons sugar and almond extract until well combined. Pour
half of each batter mixture into the crust. Then repeat pouring the
remaining half of each batter into the crust. Using a small metal spatula,
gently swirl the two batters. Bake at 375 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes or
until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack
for 15 minutes. Loosen the crust from the sides of the pan. Then cool for
30 minutes more. Remove the sides from the pan. Cool the cheesecake
completely. Chill it at least 4 hours before serving. If desired, garnish
it with additional fine chocolate wafer crumbs.

Makes 12 servings.