Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

Mac made these today for dessert with friends' and everyone loved them - even me, who doesn't like cheesecake! So yummy... not healthy, but next time I will adapt the recipe a bit to increase the health factor.

Ingredients:
3/4 c. shortening
3/4 c. sugar
1/3 c. packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 c. miniature chocolate chips
3/4 c. chopped pecans

Filling:

2 pkgs (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened
3/4 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions:

In a large mixing 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 13x9" baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a small mixing 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 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.