Cherry Almond Bars

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A rich tasting bar filled with maraschino cherries and chopped almonds, topped with a cherry almond flavoured frosting. source: chatelaine magazine, recipe by carolyn potts.

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Steps

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Preheat oven 350 degrees.

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Spray 9x13 inch baking dish with oil.

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In a bowl , using a fork , stir flour with 1 / 2 cup icing sugar.

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Using a pastry blender or 2 knives , cut in the 1 cup of butter until coarse crumbs form.

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Or.

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Whirl flour with icing sugar in food processor until mixed.

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Add butter , pulse until coarse crumbs form.

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Press mixture over bottom of baking dish.

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Bake in centre of oven until light golden around the edges , 25 - 30 minutes.

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Remove from oven , set aside.

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Meanwhile , in a bowl , stir flour , baking powder and salt.

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In a separate bowl , put beaten eggs then stir in brown sugar.

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Gradually stir in flour mixture , then add almonds and cherries.

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Spread over warm base.

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Bake in centre of oven until filling is set , 25 - 30 minutes.

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To prepare topping - in a small bowl , using an electric beater , beat cherry juice with 3 tblsp butter and almond extract.

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Gradually beat in 2 cups icing sugar until fluffy.

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Cover and set aside.

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Cool bars , then spread icing .

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Ingredients

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flour, icing sugar, unsalted butter, baking powder, salt, eggs, brown sugar, almonds, maraschino cherry, maraschino cherry juice, almond extract