Chcoclate chip cheesecake bars

 
3/4 cup shortening
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
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 chopped pecans

FILLING:

• 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

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