Combine flour, baking soda and ground vanilla beans in one bowl. In another bowl combine and mix shortening, cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, sugar, eggs and vanilla extract. Once thoroughly mixed gradually add the dry ingredients.
Pour batter into greased and floured 11"x7"x1.5" rectangular baking pan. Bake for approximately 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in tyje center comes out clean. Cool on wire racks and serve warm with vanila ice cream.
