Neiman Marcus Bars

Many years ago when Mom was living in Ft Myers Florida, Spence and I would visit her in the weeks just before and including Thanksgiving.  We always made a trip to nearby Sanibel and Captiva Islands, dropping Spence off at the pier near the lighthouse, armed with a cooler and his fishing gear. We went shopping.

I know, you’re thinking “I thought this was a recipe?”

Patience please, I’m getting there.

Our first stop was a favorite little art gallery. They happened to be holding their Holiday Open House which included lovely treats and wine. There were two selections on the dessert table that completely had us “over the moon”; one was Neiman Marcus Bars, the other – Kahlua Cake.  So enthusiastic were we that the owner said “write your address on the back of this business card and I’ll mail them to you” (this was in the olden days –  before email). We thought it was kind of her to offer and Mom promised to copy the recipes for me if she followed through. Within a few days, they  arrived in the mail and these recipes have become family favorites ever since. I promise to post the Kahlua Cake recipe in the near future.

Neiman Marcus Bars

For the crust:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 stick softened butter
• 1 egg
• 1 c chopped pecans

Mix together well and press into the bottom of a 9 x 13 pan.

For the topping:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 eggs
• 1 lb powdered sugar

Mix these ingredients well and pour over the top of the “crust” mixture, smooth out.  Sprinkle with 1/2 c chopped pecans and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.  Allow to cool completely and then cut into bars.  Enjoy!