CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE BARS WITH SHORTENING RECIPES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Combine the flour, salt and baking soda; gradually add to the creamed mixture until blended. Fold in the chocolate chips and pecans. , Set aside a third of the dough for topping. Press remaining dough into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 8 minutes., Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Spoon over crust. , Drop teaspoonfuls of reserved dough over filling. Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Cover and store in the refrigerator.

Steps:

• PREHEAT oven to 375° F.
• COMBINE flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels and nuts. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.
• BAKE for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.
• PAN COOKIE VARIATION: Preheat oven to 350° F.  Grease 15 x 10-inch jelly-roll pan. Prepare dough as above. Spread into prepared pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pan on wire rack. Makes 4 dozen bars.
• * May be stored in refrigerator for up to 1 week or in freezer for up to 8 weeks.
• FOR HIGH ALTITUDE BAKING (5,200 feet):  Increase flour to 2 1/2 cups.  Add 2 teaspoons water with flour and reduce both granulated sugar and brown sugar to 2/3 cup each.   Bake drop cookies for 8 to 10 minutes and pan cookie for 17 to 19 minutes.