Pecan Cheesecake Bars

1 c all-purpose flour
1/3 c brown sugar, firmly packed
1/3 c land o lakes butter softened
1/2 c pecans, chopped
Filling Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 c sugar
1/4 c milk
1 t vanilla

heat oven to 350f. combine flour, brown sugar and butter in large mixer bowl. beat at low speed until mixture is crumbly (2 to 3 minutes). stir in pecans by hand. reserve 1 cup crumb mixture; set aside.

Press remaining crumb mixture on bottom of ungreased 8-inch square baking pan. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

Meanwhile, combine all filling ingredients in small mixer bowl. Beat at low speed until well mixed (2 to 3 minutes). Spread filling over hot, partially baked crust. Sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture.

Continue baking for 30 to 40 minutes or until filling is set. Cool completely; cut into bars. Store refrigerated.

25 bars

1999 Spokane Washington State Fair winner