Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

A want-to-try recipe from Best of Country Cooking.

• Ready In: 1 hr 28 mins
• Serves: 36
• Yields: 3 dozen

Ingredients

• 3⁄4 cup shortening
• 3⁄4 cup sugar
• 1⁄3 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1  egg
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 3⁄4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1⁄2 cups  miniature chocolate chips
• 3⁄4 cup pecans, chopped

• FILLING

• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 3⁄4 cup sugar
• 2  eggs
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla.
2. Combine the flour, salt and baking soda; gradually add to the creamed mixture until blended.
3. Fold in the chocolate chips and pecans.
4. Set aside a third of the dough for topping.
5. Press remaining dough into a greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
6. Bake at 350 for 8 minutes.
7. Meanwhile, in a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
8. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
9. Spoon over crust.
10. Drop teaspoonfuls of reserved dough over filling.
11. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
12. Cool on a wire rack.
13. Cover and store in the refrigerator.
14. Yield: 3 dozen.