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heat oven to 325*F.
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in large mixer bowl combine sugar and cream cheese. beat at medium speed scraping bowl often until light and fluffy.
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continue beating, adding eggs one at a time, until creamy.
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add remaining ingredients except chocolate chips and almonds.
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continue beating, scraping bowl often until well mixed.
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by hand fold in melted chocolate chips to swirl chocolate throughout batter for marble effect.
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lightly butter 9" springform pan; press almonds firmly on bottom of pan.
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pour batter into prepared pan.
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bake for 65 to 75 minutes or until set.
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turn off oven; leave cheesecake in oven for 2 hours.
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loosen sides of cheesecake from pan by running knife around inside of pan.
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cool completely.
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cover, refrigerate 8 hours or overnight.
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store refrigerated.