Creative Corner

Chocolate Raspberry Bars 

The Holidays are well on their way and that means baking time. I always love to bake different desserts during the holiday season including cookies and pies. Chocolate has always been a favorite of mine and I like to add it to ass many recipes as possible. I found this great recipe on Recipes.com which combines chocolate and my other favorite flavor of Raspberry, to create tasty bars.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup butter

1 large egg, beaten

1 teaspoon almond extract

3/4 cup seedless raspberry preserves or jam

2 cups NESTLE® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Mini Morsels

1 cup chopped slivered almonds

1 cup sifted powdered sugar

1 tablespoon milk

Directions 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 

Line 13 x 9-inch baking pan with foil and then grease foil. 

Combine flour and sugar in large mixer bowl. 

Cut butter into mixture with two knives until mixture is crumbly. 

Add egg and almond extract; stir with a fork until moistened (mixture will still be crumbly). 

Reserve 1 cup of the crumb mixture. 

Press remaining mixture in bottom of prepared pan. 

Spread preserves over crust, leaving 1/2-inch border.

Combine reserved crumbs, morsels and almonds in same bowl. 

Sprinkle chocolate mixture over preserves layer, pressing lightly.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until top is golden brown. 

Cool slightly in pan on wire rack. 

While still warm, score into 4 dozen bars. 

Cool completely in pan. 

Combine powdered sugar and enough milk in small bowl to make drizzling consistency. Drizzle over bars; let stand until set. 

Cut bars along scored lines.