ALMOND CHOCOLATE BARS RECIPE
1 - 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 - 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1/3 cup craisins or dried cherries. (optional)
ALMOND CHOCOLATE BARS PREPARATION:
Preheat your oven TO 375°F, and lightly spray a square baking pan with olive oil.
In a large mixing bowl combine cream cheese and butter, beat well.
Gradually add in the sugar and vanilla, beating until light and fluffy.
Stir together the flour and baking powder, gradually add the flour mixture to the cream cheese batter and mix well. Spread mixture evenly into prepared pan.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes.
Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over the top.
Let stand 5 minutes, or until chocolate melts.
Spread chocolate evenly to the edges of pan.
Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds over the chocolate and let cool completely.
I like to chill the Almond Chocolate Bars a bit in the refrigerator before cutting into bars.
For a little added flavor and color, sprinkle a 1/3 of a cup of craisins or cherries on top with the almonds.
Recipe Makes: about 10 almond chocolate bars.