cheesecake squares

Pardon the lack of art in my photo but this will do for now until i take a better picture.  This cheesecake bar recipe is so easy and simple, anybody can do it.  I first made it a couple of years ago when we had a party at home for the World Cup championship game between Spain and Netherlands. I couldn't count how many times i've made this since.

Ingredients

for the Crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 stick butter, melted
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 cup chopped pecans or macadamia nuts

for the Filling:

• 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla or almond extract

Directions

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2.  Combine flour, brown sugar, pecans or macadamia nuts, and butter in bowl.

3.  Press dough into an ungreased 13 by 9 by 2-inch pan.

4.  Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

5.  Make the filling:  beat cream cheese and granulated sugar together in a bowl until smooth, using a handheld electric mixer.

6.  Add eggs and extract, beat well. Pour over crust.

7.  Bake for 20 minutes. Cool completely. Cut into squares before serving.

Decorating suggestions: drizzle with melted chocolate, top with chocolate shavings, mint leaves or berries, you can also write your message on the bars (one letter per bar) using a decorating gel.