Cherry Cheese Bars

Crust and topping:

• 1 cup chopped walnut pieces, divided
• 1 and 1/4 cups flour
• 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter flavored Crisco
• 1/2 cup flake cocoanut

Filling:

• 2 packages (16oz.) of cream cheese, softened
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp. vanilla
• 1 can (21 oz.) of cherry pie filling

Chop 1/2 cup nuts coarsely and 1/2 cup nuts finely and set aside.  For crust, combine flour, and brown sugar in med. bowl.  Cut in shortening until fine crumbs form.  Add 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts and cocoanut and mix well.  Reserve 1/2 cup of the mixture for the topping.  Press remaining crumbs into a 13X9 inch baking pan and bake at 350 degrees for 12 to 15 min. and do not over bake.

Combine filling ingredients except for cherries and beat till smooth.  Spread over hot crust and return to the oven for another 15 min.  Now spread cherry pie filling over the cheese mixture and add the leftover nut mixture and extra chopped nuts for the topping and bake another 15 min.  Total of 45 min in baking time.

When done, refrigerate several hours and cut into squares and serve.  Makes about 3 dozen bars.

ENJOY!!