Cherry Cheese Bars

by Kathleen

Crust:

1 c. walnut pieces, divided

1 1/4 c. flour

1/2 c. firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 c. butter flavor Crisco

1/2 c. flake coconut

Filling:

2 pkgs.  8 oz cream cheese, softened

2/3 c. granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 t. vanilla

1 can (21 oz.) cherry pie filling

Heat oven to 350ºF.  Grease a 13 x 9 inch pan with butter flavor Crisco and set aside.  Chop 1/2 cup nuts coarsely for topping and set aside.  Chop remaining nuts finely.  For crust, combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in Crisco until fine crumbs form.  Add 1/2 c. finely chopped nuts and coconut.  Mix well.   Remove 1/2 c.  and set aside.  Press remaining crumbs in bottom of pan.  Bake at 350ºF for 12-15 minutes, until edges are lightly browned.

For filling, beat cream cheese, granulated sugar, eggs and vanilla in small bowl at medium speed of electric mixer until smooth.  Spread over hot baked crust.  Return to oven and bake 15 minutes longer. Spread cherry pie filling over the cheese layer.