Cream Cheese-Almond Bars

Can be made ahead

• Ready In: 1 hr 30 mins
• Yields: 2 1/2 dozen

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup butter, softened
• 2  teaspoons sugar
• 2  tablespoons milk
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  grated lemon rind
• 1 1⁄3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1  cup sugar
• 1  large egg, lightly beaten
• 1  teaspoon  grated lemon rind
• 1  cup  chopped  toasted almond
• 1  cup  sifted powdered sugar
• 1  tablespoon water
• 1  teaspoon ground cinnamon
•  garnish  toasted sliced almonds

Directions

1. Combine first 4 ingredients; beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy.
2. Gradually add flour, beating well.
3. Press dough into a lightly greased 9-inch square pan. Set aside.
4. Combine cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, egg, and 1 teaspoons lemon rind; beat at medium speed until smooth.
5. Stir in almonds; spoon mixture over prepared dough.
6. Bake at 300F for 1 hour and 10 minutes or until set.
7. Combine powdered sugar, water, and cinnamon, stirring well.
8. Dollop topping onto uncut warm bars.
9. Let stand 1 minute; spread evenly.
10. Cool in pan on a wire rack.
11. Cover and chill 3 to 4 hours.
12. Cut into bars.