Elegant Almond Bars

Prep 25 min
Total 2 hr 30 min
Servings 32

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Who would have guessed a sugar cookie mix was the jump start of an irresistible almond lover's bar. Both quick and easy, the bar is reminiscent of a Scandinavian bakery pastry. ...MORE + LESS -

Ingredients

1 pouch Betty Crocker* Sugar Cookie Mix

1/2 cup (125 mL) butter or margarine, melted

1/2 tsp (2 mL) almond extract

1 egg

200 g (7 oz) almond paste, crumbled into 1/2 inch pieces

1/4 cup (50 mL) granulated sugar

1/4 cup (50 mL) butter or margarine, melted

2 eggs

1/2 cup (125 mL) sliced almonds

2 squares white chocolate baking bar, coarsely chopped

2 tbsp (25 mL) shortening

1/4 cup (50 mL) sliced almonds

Steps

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1

Heat oven to 350ºF. In large bowl, stir cookie base ingredients until soft dough forms. Spread in ungreased 13x9-inch pan. Bake 15 to 18 minutes or until light golden brown.
2

Meanwhile, in large bowl, beat almond paste, sugar and 1/4 cup melted butter with electric mixer on low speed until blended. Add 2 eggs; beat until well blended (mixture may be slightly lumpy).
3

Spread almond paste mixture over partially baked base. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup almonds. Bake 15 to 20 minutes longer or until filling is set (filling will puff up during baking). Cool completely, about 1 hour.
4

In 1-quart heavy saucepan, melt white chocolate and shortening over low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth. Pour and spread over cooled bars. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup almonds. Let stand about 30 minutes or until topping is set. For bars, cut into 8 rows by 4 rows. Store covered at room temperature.

Expert Tips

Did You Know? : Almond paste can be found in the baking section of your supermarket or Bulk Barn. It is a prepared mixture of almonds, sugar and water that comes in a tube.
Purchasing : Use the premium or premier white chocolate baking bars found next to other chocolates in the baking aisle.
Success : The glaze can also be prepared in the microwave. In small microwavable bowl, microwave white chocolate and shortening 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until melted and smooth.