raspberry almond bars

This is one of my favorite "fancy-looking" desserts. They are SO yummy too! I've adapted this "Taste of Home" recipe a little so it's not WAY too sweet.

prep time: 20 minutes
total time: 45 minutes

1/2 c. butter
1 c. vanilla or white chips
2 eggs
1/2 c. sugar
1 t. almond extract
1 c. flour
1/2 t. salt
1/2 c. raspberry jam (seedless jam if you have it)
1/4 c. sliced almonds

1. In a saucepan, melt butter. Remove from heat; add vanilla chips (do not stir).

2. In a small mixing bowl, beat eggs until foamy; gradually add sugar. Stir in chip mixture and almond extract. Combine flour and salt; add to egg mixture justt until combined.

3. Spread 1/2 of the batter into a greased 9x9 pan. Bake @ 325* for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

4. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt jam; spread over warm crust. Drop remaining batter by teaspoonfuls over the jam layer. Sprinkle with almonds.

5. Bake for 30-35 minutes more or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars.

Yield: 2 dozen