Lemon is always one of the most refreshing tastes for desserts.  And lemon bars have long been a popular dessert choice.  But here we offer something a little different than the usual lemon bars.  Give this recipe for Chewy Lemon Nut Bars a try. These bars have oats in the crust giving them their chewy texture and chopped pecans give crunch.  A great combination for the creamy lemon center.  These bars are great for picnics, parties, pitch-ins, potluck, family dessert or just simply with a cup of coffee over conversation with friends.  They also work well in lunchboxes and as after-school snacks.   Give these versatile bars a try soon.  You'll be glad you did.

CHEWY LEMON NUT BARS

1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup butter
1 cup quick oats, uncooked
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 pkg (8-oz) cream cheese, softened
1 egg
3 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp grated lemon peel

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.

In a mixing bowl, stir together the flour, brown sugar, and granulated sugar; cut in the margarine until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in nuts and oats. Reserve 1 cup of the mixture; set aside. Press the remaining crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.

Beat the cream cheese, egg, lemon juice, and lemon peel in a small mixing bowl using medium speed of electric mixer, until well blended. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the baked crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top of the cream cheese mixture.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Enjoy!

For more of Linda's delicious dessert recipes visit her blog at http://ladybugssweettreats.blogspot.com