Almond Chocolate Bars

From Southern Living 1983 Annual Recipes cookbook.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Yields: 30 bars

Ingredients

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 3⁄4 cup butter or 3⁄4 cup margarine, softened
• 3⁄4 cup sugar
• 2  cups all-purpose flour
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (6 ounce) package  semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1⁄2 cup  sliced almonds, toasted

Directions

1. Combine cream cheese and butter in a mixing bowl; beat well. Gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Combine flour and baking powder; add to creamed mixture, beating well. Stir in vanilla.
2. Spread mixture evenly in an ungreased 9 x 13 x 2 inch baking pan. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes.
3. Sprinkle chocolate chips immediately over baked layer; let stand 5 minutes or until chocolate melts. Spread chocolate evenly, to edge of pan. Sprinkle with almonds. Cool and cut into bars.