Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

I have to admit that I'm a little hesitant to share this recipe...It's probably one of my favorite things to bake and the pan never lasts more than 2 days in this house. I usually get compliments over these, so that's probably why I don't want people stealing the recipe. But go ahead, enjoy! They really are amazing...especially just out of the oven with a glass of milk. Yum!

3/4 cup shortening
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp salt
3/4 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 cups mini choc. chips

Filling
2 pkgs (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla

In a mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugars. Beat in egg and vanilla. Combine the flour, salt, and baking soda; add to the creamed mixture and mix well. Fold in the chocolate chips. Set aside 1/3 of the dough for topping. Press remaining dough into a greased 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking pan. Bake at 350 for 8 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix well. Spoon over crust. Drop teaspoonfuls of reserved dough over filling. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Cover and store in refrigerator.