Cherry Chewy

Ginny brought Cherry Chewy to our potluck last Sunday.  Ginny said that she received the recipe from a lady at the VA Center where she volunteers regularly.  I must say it has moved to the top of my list of one of my most favorite desserts of all time.  The combination of ingredients is marvelous.  Cherry Chewy will be a hit with your family and friends.

Ingredients for Crust:

• 1/4 Cup King Arthur Unbleached Flour
• 1/2 Cup Packed Brown Sugar
• 1/2 Cup Butter
• 1 Cup Chopped Walnuts Divided
• 1/2 Cup Flaked Coconut
• Love

Filling:

• 2 8 oz. Packages Softened Cream Cheese
• 2/3 Cup Sugar
• 2 Eggs
• 2 Teaspoons Vanilla
• 2 21 oz. Can Cherry Pie Filling
• Love

In a bowl combine flour and brown sugar; cut in butter until fine crumbs form.  Stir in half cup chopped nuts and coconut.  Reserve half cup crumb mixture for topping.  Press remaining mixture into bottom of greased 13"x9" baking pan.  Add love.

Bake at 350 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly brown.  Meanwhile, for filling beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs and vanilla in mixing bowl until smooth.  Spread over hot crust.   Add love.   Bake 15 minutes.

Spread pie filling on top.  Combine remaining nuts and reserved crumbs.  Sprinkle over cherries.  Add love.  Bake 15 minutes more.  Cool.  Refrigerate until serving.

City Girl