Austrian Cream Cheese Bars

CRUST

1 1/2 c. all purpose or unbleached flour

1 c. firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 tsp cinnamon

2/3 c. butter or margarine

TOPPING

8 oz pkg. cream cheese, softened

3/4 c. sugar

2 T. flour

2 eggs

6 oz pkg (1 cup) semi-sweet chocolate chips

GLAZE

6 oz pkg (1 cup) semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/2 to 3/4 c. chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted

Heat oven to 350F. In large bowl, combine all crust ingredients. Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes or until crumbly and well blended. Press mixture into uncreased 13x9 inch pan. Bake at 350F for 12 minutes. Remove from oven.

In small bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, 2 T. flour and eggs at medium speed until smooth, about 2 minutes. Stir in 1 c. chocolate chips. Pour over partially baked crust. Bake an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until topping is almost set. Remove from oven; immediately sprinkle 1 c. chocolate chips over top. Return to oven for 1 minute to melt chips. Gently spread melted chips over top. Sprinkle with pecans; lightly press into glaze. Refrigerate 1 hour. Cut into bars. Stop in refrigerator. Yield: 36 bars.

Linda Shubert