Cream Cheese Cookie-Bars

(These cookie bars are simply delicious- especially when you can't decide what to bake!  They have a cookie consistency in the crust and a chewy "bar" texture within the top layer)

INGREDIENTS:

- 1 C. Flour (plus 2 Tbsp)
- 1/2 C. Butter, softened
- 1/4 C. Sugar
- 1/4 C. Cornstarch
- 2 Eggs
- 8 oz. Brown Sugar
- 1/4 tsp. Baking Pwdr.
- 1 tsp. Vanilla
- 1/2 C. Chopped Walnuts
- 1/4 C. Flaked Coconut

DIRECTIONS:

1.) Combine 1 cup flour, butter, sugar and cornstarch with pastry blender until mixture resembles corse crumbs.  Press Mixture into ungreased (15-in pan- for thinner bars) or 13 x 9 in pan (for thicker bars).  Bake at 350' for 15-18 minutes. MEANWHILE, Prepare the Cream Cheese Topping.
2.) Beat eggs, brown sugar, 2 Tbsp. flour, baking powder and vanilla at medium speed with mixer until blended; Stir in Walnuts and Coconut.  Spread on top of crust.
3.) Bake at 350' for 10 minutes.  Let cool in pan on wire rack.  Spread with cream cheese topping (RECIPE to follow).  Bake 30 additional minutes or until set.  Cut into Bars.

CREAM CHEESE TOPPING

- 6 oz cream cheesem softened
- 1/4 C. Butter, Softened
- 1/2 tsp. Vanilla ext.
- 6 oz. Powdered Sugar

* Beat first 3 ingredients at medium speed until creamy.  Gradually add sugar, beating until blended.