Cheesecake Confections

Yield:5 dozen

The following recipe for for Cheesecake Confections comes from a Nitty Gritty cookbook that I got as a kid simply entitled "Cookies". Many of my favorite cookie recipes growing up came from this cookbook and this recipe is one that I made frequently. It's a decadent orange and chocolate cheesecake bar that's super easy to make and always gets rave reviews.

2/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans) 2 cups all-purpose flour 2/3 cup butter, melted 2 pkgs. (8 oz each) softened cream cheese (neufchatel ok too) 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 eggs 2 Tbsp. orange juice concentrate, undiluted 2 Tbsp. milk (lowfat ok) 1 pkg. (6 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350°.

Using a food processor or by hand, mix together brown sugar, nuts and flour. Add melted butter and mix until light and crumbly. Reserve 2 cups for topping and press the remainder into a greased 9 x 13 inch baking pan. Bake for 12 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Beat together cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, orange juice concentrate and milk. Beat well. By hand, stir in chocolate chips.

Pour cheese mixture onto baked crust. Top with reserved crumbs. Bake for 25-30 minutes or just until set. Let cool and then cut into squares.