Shelly's Recipe

CHERRY CHEWBILEES

Category: Bars

Crust:
1 cup walnut pieces, divided
1 1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup flake coconut

Filling:
2 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1 lg. can cherry pie filling

Heat oven to 350. Grease 13X9 inch pan with shortening. Set aside. Chop 1/2 cup nuts coarsely for topping. Set aside.
Chop remaining 1/2 cup finely.

For crust, combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in shortening until fine crumbs form. Add 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts and coconut. Mix well. Remove 1/2 cup. Set aside. Press remaining crumbs in bottom of pan. Bake at 350 for 12 - 15 minutes, until edges are lightly browned.

For filling, beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs and vanilla in small bowl at medium speed of electric mixer until smooth. Spread over hot baked crust. Return to oven. Bake 15 minutes longer. Spread cherry pie filling over cheese layer. Combine reserved coarsely chopped nuts and reserved crumbs. Sprinkle evenly over cherries. Return to oven. Bake 15 minutes longer. Cool. Refrigerate several hours. Cut into bars. Serves about 12 - 16 people.