Cocoa Mascarpone Bars

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup (1 ounce) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 tablespoons hot water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• 1/2 cup (4 ounces) melted butter
• 1 cup (7 1/2 ounces) packed brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
• 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
• 1 cup (4 1/4 ounces) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (7/8 ounce) almond meal (optional, for a more moist bar)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt