Instructions: Toasting the hazelnuts for these rich bars enriches their flavor as well as aids in removing the skins. To remove the skins, place the warm nuts on a clean kitchen towel and rub vigorously until the skins come off.

1/2 cup butter, softened
2 (3-ounce)

packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
4 eggs
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups toasted chopped hazelnuts (optional)

Sifted Powdered Sugar

1. For crust, in a large mixing bowl beat the 1/2 cup softened butter, cream cheese, brown sugar, and the 2 cups flour with an electric mixer on medium to high speed until well combined. With lightly floured hands pat mixture onto the bottom and up sides of an ungreased 15 x 10 x 1 inch baking pan. Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 15 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, for filling, in a medium mixing bowl beat together granulated sugar, buttermilk, eggs, the 1/2 cup melted butter, the 1/3 cup flour, vanilla, and salt with an electric mixer on low speed until combined. Stir in nuts. Pour into crust.

3. Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 35 minutes or until golden. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Store bars in the refrigerator.

Makes 48.

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