Carol, I am so happy to see you come through the bigger no 'net having
troubles, and I have a special thank you from several people that
you'll likely never know.

As part of my usual many days of Christmas baking for family, friends
and my Marines, I planned to "try out" your Almond bars as a small
part of the baked goods trays I take in to work a few days before most
are off on Christmas leave. Hah! I was told by more than half of the
dozen or so there that would have been happy to have nothing but those
"Oral Orgasims" (as you nick'ed them when posting), and a few said had
they known in time, they would have purchased all the makings for me,
as well as come over to help.

So, because of their enjoyment, I made time during the last two days
before leaving to family on Christmas morning to make four more
batches to add to the already quite large basket-trays going with me
there. Every one 'round home I gave them to, as well as my Major
(who's wife is a terrific cake decorator, and himself takes great
pride in cooking) all but demanded the recipe. As to family, we long
ago "assigned" each other specific things we each bake, to then be
sure to have everybody's favorites at once, at least at Christmas. if
not throughout the year.

Again. thank you, Carol. I will very much enjoy the assignment to
make these again and again.
....PickyJeanine

Almond Bars - Recipe By: Carol's Cookbook - Serving Size: 24

----First Layer----
2 cups flour
1 cup butter -- softened
4 tablespoons water
---Second Layer----
8 ounces cream cheese -- softened
3 large eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
----Frosting----
2 1/4 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup butter
2 tablespoons milk
2 teaspoons almond extract
----Garnish----
1/4 cup sliced almonds
FIRST LAYER:
1. Combine all ingredients and pat into a 9x11-inch pan.
2. Bake at 350F for 10-15 minutes.
SECOND LAYER:
1. Beat cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and almond extract together while
first
layer is baking.
2. Spread cream cheese mixture on hot crust later, being sure to cover
the
crust completely.
3. Bake at 350F for an additional 15-20 minutes, until slightly
browned on
edges.
4. Cool before frosting.
FROSTING:
1. Beat until creamy, adding more milk if necessary.
2. Spread on *cooled* bars, and sprinkle with sliced almonds.