Preheat oven to 350F

Crust

• Place cookies in food processor and reduce to fine crumbles... not dust!
• In medium bowl, add melted butter and salt. Combine well with fork until wet sand like consistency.
• Pour into closed base of springform pan. Using a ringmold, press crust tightly into edges first so you have a uniform layer no more than 1/4". Using something flat, pack bottom so you end up with tight, uniform layers. Bake in oven 10 minutes at 350F then remove to cool. Reduce heat to 325F.

Filling

• Note: always scrape sides of bowl through each step!
• Add cream cheese, mascarpone and sugar to stand mixer bowl. Beat on medium using paddle until smooth and creamy. 2 min. Add salt, zest, extract and liqueur, beat 1 min. On low speed, add one egg at a time, adding the next after each is fully incorporated into the batter.
• Remove mixer bowl, fold in chocolate chips with spatula
• Pour batter into slightly cooled crust. ** If using water bath, place waterproofed cake tin (I like the silicone ones like this) in hot water bath.
• Place in 325F oven for 50-55 minutes, checking that you don't toast the top of the batter. Will still be slightly jiggly in center.
• Turn oven off, prop door open slightly and allow cake to sit in oven for another 45 minutes.
• Remove from oven, let cool further at room temp 30 min. Place in refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight before frosting.

Finishing

• Make frosting. In stand mixer with whisk on medium speed add mascarpone and sugar. When creamy, add extracts and combine. Don't overmix at this step! On medium, slowly drizzle cream into mix and keep whipping until medium peaks form. 2-3 min.
• Spread frosting 1/4-1/2" thick on top of chilled cake. Garnish with morsels and crushed pistachios.

Ganache

• Place chips in small glass bowl. Heat cream until barely simmering. Remove from heat and pour over chocolate, covering bowl with plate or lid. Let sit 3-4 minutes. Whisk together until glossy consistency. Allow to cool slightly before serving. I like to use a small squeeze bottle.