Raspberry Cheesecake Bars

Very light and refreshing dessert bars. Could exchange raspberry preserves for any type--blackberry, strawberry, etc.--and they'd be just as good.

Preheat oven to 350f.

In a mixing bowl , combine the flour , brown sugar and 1 / 2 cup finely chopped almonds.

Cut in shortening until mixture resembles fine crumbs.

Set aside 1 / 2 cup crumb mixture for topping.

For crust , press the remaining crumb mixture into the bottom of a 13x9x2-inch baking pan.

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or till the edges are golden.

In another mixing bowl , beat the cream cheese , sugar , eggs and almond extract till smooth.

Spread over the hot crust.

Return to oven and bake for 15 minutes.

Spread preserves over cream cheese mixture.

In a small bowl , combine the reserved crumb mixture , coconut and sliced almonds-sprinkle over preserves.

Return to oven and bake for 15 minutes more.

Cool in pan on a wire rack.

Chill for 3 hours before cutting into bars.

Store in the fridge.

flour, brown sugar, sliced almonds, butter flavor shortening, cream cheese, sugar, eggs, almond extract, seedless raspberry preserves, flaked coconut