Chocolate-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 (optional)

Filling:
2 packages (8 oz) 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. Add in the chocolate chips and pecans.
Set aside a third of the dough for topping. Press remaining dough into a greased 13 x 9 baking pan. Bake at 350° for 8 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a small mixing 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.

Enjoy!