Tiramisu Bars
Contributed by Diane S.

Recipe By     : Holiday Cookies by Gold Medal 1999
Serving Size  : 1    Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    : Cheesecakes                      Christmas
                Dessert:Bars                     Holidays

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   1 1/2  cups          vanilla wafer cookie crumbs -- about 40 cookies
   1      teaspoon      instant espresso coffee (dry)
   3      tablespoons   butter or margarine -- melted
   2      packages      cream cheese (8 ounces each) -- softened
     1/2  cup           sugar
   2                    eggs
     1/2  cup           whipping (heavy) cream -Liquid kind
     1/4  cup           rum -- * see note
   1      teaspoon      vanilla
     1/2  cup           semisweet chocolate
   2      tablespoons   shortening
   1      teaspoon      instant espresso coffee (dry)

Heat oven to 350F.  Grease square pan, 9x9x2 inches.  Mix cookie crumbs, 1
teaspoon coffee and the butter thoroughly with fork.  Press evenly in bottom
of pan.  Refrigerate while preparing cream cheese mixture.

Beat cream cheese in small bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until
smooth and fluffy.  Beat in sugar, eggs, whipping cream, rum and vanilla.
Spread cream cheese mixture over crust.  Bake 20 to 25 minutes or just until
center is set.

Heat chocolate chips, shortening and 1 teaspoon coffee in 1-quart sacuepan
over low heat, stirring frequently, until melted and smooth.  Pour over hot
cheesecake, and spread evenly.  Cool 30 minutes at room temperature.

Cover loosely and refrigerate about 1 hour or until firm.  For bars, cut
into 6 rows by 6 rows  or for dessert-size, cut into 4 rows by 4 rows.
Store covered in refrigerator.

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*Note
Substitution 1/4 teaspoon rum extract with 1/4 cup water.

For a "guest best" finish serve as dessert topped with whipped cream and
chocolate-covered espresso beans.