Raspberry Cream Cheese Bars

Makes 30 bars

For crust:

1-1/2 C all purpose flour

1/3 C granulated sugar

1/3 C unsalted butter or margarine, softened

¼ C cream cheese, softened

1 egg, slightly beaten

¼ t almond extract

For topping:

1 C raspberry preserves

¾ cream cheese, softened

¼ C granulated sugar

2 T milk

Make crust: Heat over to 375°F. Butter a 9” x 13” pan. Whisk together flour and sugar. Add butter and cream cheese; blend until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add egg and almond extract; mix until dough forms. With lightly floured hands, press dough into bottom of pan. Bake 12 to 14 min. or until edges are light brown. Remove from oven.

Make topping: Spread raspberry preserves evenly over crust. Combine remaining topping ingredients until well blended. Drop cram cheese mixture by the teaspoon over raspberry preserves. Run knife lightly through topping to swirl. Return to preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 min. or until topping is set. Cool completely and cut into bars. Store in refrigerator.