Blackberry-Almond Bruschetta

I found this on pillsbury.com and it is one of the recipes chosen for 2006 Bake-Off 42 which hasn't happened as yet. I liked it because it was easy and made a sweet bruschetta - we enjoyed them a lot and they are easy to prepare. Submitted by Karen Mack of Webster, NY for Bake-Off 42(Orlando 2006). March 23, 2006 update...this was a $10,000.00 winner.

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 12-14

Ingredients

• 1 (11 ounce) can  Pillsbury refrigerated crusty french loaf
•  butter-flavored cooking spray
• 2  tablespoons sugar
• 1 (8 ounce) package reduced-fat cream cheese, softened (Neufchatel)
• 1 -2  teaspoon  almond extract
• 1⁄4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 (10 ounce) bag  cascadian farm frozen blackberries, thawed, well drained
• 1⁄3 cup  sliced almonds, toasted, coarsely chopped
• 3  tablespoons powdered sugar

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350°F.
2. Bake French bread as directed on can.
3. Cool 5 minutes.
4. Cut ends of loaf; cut loaf crosswise in slices, about 1/2" thick.
5. Arrange on ungreased cookie sheet.
6. Spray each slice with cooking spray until lightly coated; cover with granulated sugar.
7. Return to oven 8-10 minutes longer or until lightly golden.
8. Meanwhile, in small bowl, beat cheese, almond extract and 1/4 cup powdered sugar with electric mixer on low speed until well combined.
9. Spread cheese mixture evenly on bread slices.
10. Top each with 3-4 blackberries; sprinkle with almond pieces.
11. With small strainer, sprinkle the 3 tablespoons powedered sugar over bruschetta.
12. Enjoy!