Brownie Caramel Cheesecake

1 9 ounce package brownie mix
1 egg
1 tablespoon cold water
1 14 ounce package individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped
1 5 ounce can evaporated milk
2 8 ounce packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 cup chocolate fudge topping


Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Grease the bottom of a 9 inch springform pan. In a small bowl, mix together brownie mix, 1 egg and water.
2. Spread into the greased pan. Bake for 25 minutes.
3. Melt the caramels with the evaporated milk over low heat in a heavy saucepan. Stir often, and heat until mixture has a smooth consistency.
4. Reserve 1/3 cup of this caramel mixture, and pour the remainder over the warm, baked brownie crust.
5. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar and vanilla with an electric mixer until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
6. Pour cream cheese mixture over caramel mixture. Bake cheesecake for 40 minutes.
7. Chill in pan. When cake is thoroughly chilled, loosen by running a knife around the edge, and then remove the rim of the pan.
8. Heat reserved caramel mixture, and spoon over cheesecake. Drizzle with the chocolate topping.