Pear Custard Bars

Joie Bare brought these great-tasting treats to the picnic. Many agreed with Ron's comment, "These may be the best thing I've ever put in my mouth!" Pictured above is Barbara Cotter's version of the bars - equally delicious.

1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/3 cup sugar
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup chopped macadamia nuts or pecans
FILLING/TOPPING
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 can (15-1/4 oz.) pear halves, drained
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in the flour and vanilla until combined. Stir in the nuts. Press into a greased 8-inch square baking pan. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack. Increase heat to 375°. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, egg and vanilla; mix until combined. Pour over crust. Cut pears into 1/8-in. slices; arrange in a single layer over filling. Combine sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over pears. Bake at 375° for 28-30 minutes (center will be soft set and will become firmer upon cooling). Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting. Eat immediately before anyone else finds them. Yield: 16 bars.