Directions
FOR GLAZED ALMOND TOPPING:
LINE baking sheet with wax paper.
COMBINE sugar and water in small saucepan. Bring mixture to a boil; cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in almonds and liqueur. Remove almonds
from pan with slotted spoon; place on wax paper. Separate with a fork.
FOR CRUST:
COMBINE cookie crumbs and butter in medium bowl. Press mixture onto bottom of ungreased 9-inch springform pan.
FOR FILLING:
PREHEAT oven to 325° F.
PLACE white morsels in uncovered, medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on MEDIUM-HIGH (70%) power for 1 minute; STIR. Morsels may retain some of their shape. If necessary, microwave at additional 10- to 15- second intervals, stirring until smooth. Cool slightly.
BEAT 3 packages cream cheese, sugar and liqueur in large mixer bowl on medium speed until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in sour cream. Pour half of mixture into crust.
BEAT remaining package cream cheese and melted white morsels in medium mixer bowl on medium speed until smooth. Stir in raspberry preserves. Drop half of raspberry mixture by rounded teaspoonfuls evenly over batter in pan. Pour remaining white batter over batters in pan and drop remaining half of raspberry mixture by teaspoonfuls evenly over batter. Swirl batters together with a knife.
BAKE for 1 hour 5 minutes. Arrange glazed almonds around edge of cheesecake. Continue baking for 15 minutes or until edge is set and center moves slightly. Refrigerate at least 3 hours or overnight.
PLACE semi-sweet morsels in small, heavy-duty plastic bag. Microwave on HIGH (100%) power for 20 seconds; knead bag. Microwave at additional 10- second intervals, kneading until smooth. Cut a small hole in corner of bag; squeeze to drizzle over over glazed almonds. Remove side of pan.