NUTTY APRICOT & WHITE CHOCOLATE SO DECADENCCE BARS

Nutty Apricot & White Chocolate SO Decadencce Bars image

Provided by Vanessa "Nikita" Milare

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 16

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COOKIE BASE:
1 pkg sugar cookie mix
1/2 c butter, melted
1/2 tsp almond extract
1 egg, slightly beaten
FILLING:
1 pkg almond paste (not marzipan)
1/2 c sugar
1 c apricots, dried & finely chopped
6 oz philly cream cheese, softened
2 eggs
1 tsp lemon juice
TOPPING:
1 pkg vanilla or white chocolate chips
2/3 c heavy whipping cream
1/2 c almonds, sliced

Steps:

1. First pre-heat the oven to 375F. Then in a large bowl stir all the cookie base ingredients until soft dough forms. Then spread the dough into the bottom of an ungreased 13x9 inch baking pan. Then bake for about 10 to 15 mins or until set. Then let cool for about 10 mins.
2. Next in a large bowl beat the almond paste & sugar with an electric mixer on low speed until crumbly but blended. Then add in the chopped apricots & beat on low speed just until fully combined. Then add in the cream cheese, 2 eggs & the lemon juice. Beat on medium speed until well mixed. Then pour over the warm cookie bottom. Then bake for about 20 to 25 mins or until set. Let cool for about 30 mins.
3. Then place the chocolate chips in a small bowl. In a 1 quart sacepan heat the whipping cream just to about boiling over low heat. Make sure to stir occasionally & then pour over the chips. Then let snd for about 1 min. Stir until the chips have melted & the mixture is smooth. Then Pour & spread evenly over the filling. Sprinkle with the sliced almonds. Refrigerate for about 2 hours or until set. Then cut into 9 rows by 4 rows to make the bars. Store in the refrigerator.