Chocolate covered Cheesecake bites

You can't go wrong with cheesecake! I saw this recipe on pinterest and had to give it a try!!! Made it this week for a small party I was having and they were a huge hit!! Everyone loved them and they were so easy to make. Perfect for potlucks or parties. Just keep in mind if you try them, the cheesecake has to be frozen overnight before you can dip them so plan ahead!!

Ingredients:
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup finely chopped pecans( optional)
1/4 cup butter, melted
~Filling
2 pkgs ( 8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup sour cream
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
~Coating
24 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped ( or chips)
3 tablespoons shortening


Directions:
* Line a 9 inch square baking pan with foil and grease the foil.
* In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, pecans and butter.( I left out the pecans and just substituted them for more graham crackers) Press into prepared pan; set aside
* In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar and sour cream until smooth. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Stir in vanilla. Pour over crust.
* Bake at 325 degrees for 35-40 min. or until center is almost set. Cool on wire rack. Refrigerate until chilled. Freeze overnight.
* In a microwave, melt chocolate and shortening; stir until smooth. Cool slightly.
* Using foil, lift cheesecake out of pan. Gently peel off foil; cut into 49 squares. Remove a few pieces at a time for dipping; keep remaining squares refrigerated until ready to dip.
* Using a toothpick, completely dip squares, one at a time, in melted chocolate; allow excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets; spoon about 1 teaspoon chocolate over each. ( I just left the toothpicks in the cheesecake for easy handling, so I didn't need to put the tsp of chocolate over the top to cover the hole from the toothpick) Reheat the chocolate as needed. Let stand for 20 min or until set. Store in an airtight container in refrigerator or freezer.

~ If you like the chocolate to be hard when you eat it you'll need to keep them cold. I like to let mine set out for a little while to let them soften up a little bit! Either way they are super delicious!! You won't be able to stop at just one!!!!!!!! Happy cooking/eating :)