ALMOND VENETIAN DESSERT

Steps:

• Grease the bottoms of three 8-in. square baking dishes.
• Line with waxed paper and grease the paper; set aside.
• Place almond paste in a large mixing bowl; break up with a fork.
• Add the butter, sugar, egg yolks and extract; beat until smooth and fluffy.
• Stir in flour and salt.
• In another mixing bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form.
• Stir a fourth of the whites into the dough, then fold in the remaining whites (dough will be stiff).
• Divide dough evenly into three portions, about 2/3 cup each.
• Tint one portion green and one portion red; leave the remaining portion white.
• Spread each portion into a prepared pan.
• Bake at 350° for 13-15 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
• Immediately invert onto wire racks; remove waxed paper.
• Place another wire rack on top and turn over.
• Cool completely.
• Place green layer on a large piece of plastic wrap.
• Spread evenly with 1/3 cup apricot preserves.
• Top with white layer and spread with remaining preserves.
• Top with red layer.
• Bring plastic over layers.
• Slide onto a baking sheet and set a cutting board on top to compress layers.
• Refrigerate overnight.
• In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate.
• Remove cutting board and unwrap dessert.
• Spread melted chocolate over top; let stand until set.
• With a sharp knife, trim edges.
• Cut into 2-in. x 5/8-in. bars.
• Store in an airtight container.