Italian Christmas Bars

Ingredients

• 2 c. flour
• 1/4 tsp. baking powder
• 1 1/4 c. butter softened
• 1 c. sugar
• 1 – 7 oz. package almond paste
• 1 tsp. almond extract
• 3 eggs
• green and red gel food paste
• 1 c. seedless raspberry jam
• 1 – 12 oz. package semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 c. heavy cream

Instructions

1. Spray a 9×13 inch pan with non-stick spray.
2. In a small bowl, mix flour and baking powder until well-combined.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, sugar, almond paste, and almond extract at medium speed for 3-4 minutes, or until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time, until well-blended.
5. Beat in flour mixture.
6. Divide the batter evenly into thirds. Spread one portion of the batter thinly and evenly in the prepared pan. Freeze the pan for 5 minutes.
7. Meanwhile, mix green food coloring into a second portion of the batter. Gently spread over batter in the pan. Freeze the pan for 5 minutes.
8. Meanwhile, mix red food coloring into the third portion of the batter. Gently spread over the green batter in the pan.
9. Bake at 350 degrees for 24-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near center comes out clean.
10. Cool completely on a wire rack.
11. Place jam in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 15-25 seconds, or until slightly thinned.
12. Spread jam evenly over bars.
13. In a large saucepan over low heat, combine chocolate and heavy cream. Whisk gently until smooth.
14. Spread chocolate ganache over the jam layer.
15. Allow chocolate to set. Cut into bars.