Raspberry-Cheesecake Bars

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. 2
   In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar and 1/2 cup finely chopped almonds.
3. 3
   Cut in shortening until mixture resembles fine crumbs.
4. 4
   Set aside 1/2 cup crumb mixture for topping.
5. 5
   For crust, press the remaining crumb mixture into the bottom of a 13x9x2-inch baking pan.
6. 6
   Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or till the edges are golden.
7. 7
   In another mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, eggs and almond extract till smooth.
8. 8
   Spread over the hot crust.
9. 9
   Return to oven and bake for 15 minutes.
10. 10
    Spread preserves over cream cheese mixture.
11. 11
    In a small bowl, combine the reserved crumb mixture, coconut and sliced almonds-sprinkle over preserves.
12. 12
    Return to oven and bake for 15 minutes more.
13. 13
    Cool in pan on a wire rack.
14. 14
    Chill for 3 hours before cutting into bars.
15. 15
    Store in the fridge.