Spice 10-22-99 11:03 AM
Poinsettia Cheesecake Bars
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2/3 cup firm butter or margarine
2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 package (10 oz) frozen strawberries or raspberries in light syrup, thawed and undrained
For garnish: fresh mint leaves and 24 strawberries, each cut into 5 wedges
Heat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix flour and powdered sugar in medium bowl.
Cut in butter, using fork, until mixture looks like fine crumbs.
Press firmly and evenly in ungreased rectangular pan, 13x9x2 inches.
Bake 15 minutes.
Beat cream cheese in medium bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy.
Beat in granulated sugar and eggs.
Stir in thawed strawberries or raspberries with liquid.
Spread cream cheese mixture over baked layer.
Bake 20 to 25 minutes or just until center is set.
Cool completely.
Cover loosely and refrigerate about 4 hours or until firm.
For bars, cut into 6 rows by 4 rows.
Arrange mint leaves and strawberry wedges on bars to look like poinsettias.
Store Covered in refrigerator.