Sweet Pickin's Dessert

Today was the first real sign of winter - gray, blustery and snow. I don't know if I am ready for Winter but I guess we don't have a choice. Today we had our Sweet Pickin's Club. This is a club that meets the third Saturday of each month. Brenda does an incredible job with the presentations and I come with dessert. Well...she told me this dessert was the BEST I have made so far (and I have been doing these for years). I know you will want to make this yourself.

Chocolate Raspberry Bars
1 c. flour                                          2 Tbsp milk
1/4 c. powdered sugar                     1 c. vanilla-flavored chocolate chips, melted
1/2 c. butter                                     3/4 c. semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 c. seedless, raspberry jam          2 Tbsp shortening
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
Combine flour and powdered sugar; cut in butter until crumbly. Press into an ungreased 9" square baking pan. Bake at 370 for 15-18 minutes or until browned. Spread jam over warm crust (I beat the jam in a small bowl so it would spread easier plus I used more jam). In a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and milk until smooth. Add vanilla chips; mix well. Spread carefully over jam layer (I actually used a spoon and dropped small 'glumps' until it was nearly covered - I was not successful in spreading). Cool completely. Chill 1 hour. For glaze, melt chocolate chips and shortening; spread over filling. Chill 10 minutes. Cut into bars; chill 1 hour. Store in refrigerator.

This will be a hit at your Thanksgiving Dinner. I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.

Deb