Orange Cream Cheese Cookie Squares

I can't think of anything worse that affects so many people I know....being allergic to chocolate! It just breaks my heart! ;)  Well here's a recipe that even the poor unfortunate choco-phobes can enjoy.  Light, fruity & not to sweet with a crunchy with cookie bottom and crumble topping. Perfect to close out the summertime and head into the fall!

1/2 cup butter
1/3 cup sugar
1 cup AP flour
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

8oz cream cheese
1 egg
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon orange extract
1 canned mandarin oranges

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat butter & sugar together.  Sift flour.  Add flour & walnuts to mixture until it becomes crumbly.  Pat mixture into 9 x 9 pan, but reserve some for topping.  Bake crust for 12 mins.

Combine all other ingredients together, except for oranges.  Remove baked crust from oven and layer mandarin oranges on top.  Pour cream cheese mixture over and add topping. Bake for another 20 mins.  Cool & serve!