Cheesecake Bars

An old sailing friend of mine (hi Kari, if you're out there!) gave me this yummy recipe that has become a favorite of Rick's.  I don't know how Kari managed to fine cream cheese wherever she was in the Caribbean.  I found that a bit of a challenge.  Now, it's ever-available, even in Alaska ;)

Cheesecake Bars
5 TBSP butter
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 cup flower
1/2 cup coarse ground walnuts

Blend to coarse crumbs.  I used my pie crust blender thingie (I'm sure it has a name, but I don't know what it is), but you can use a fork.  Set aside 1 cup of this mixture for the topping.  Press the remainder into a greased square baking pan.  Bake at 350 for 15-18 minutes.

8 oz cream cheese (at room temperature)
1 egg
2 TBSP milk
1 TBSP lemon juice
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup sugar

Combine all of these ingredients (I used a hand mixer) until smooth.  Pour/spread over the pre-baked crust.  Sprinkle with the reserved topping.  Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes.  Cool.  Chill.

Cut into squares to serve.  Or give the pan to the hubby with a spoon.