Shelly's Recipe

STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE SQUARES

Category: Cheesecake

Crust
2 cups flour
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup finely chopped almonds
3/4 cup butter

Filling
2 (8oz) pkg cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 tsp almond extract
1 cup strawberry jam
3/4 cup sliced almonds

Crust: Combine all ingredients until crumbly. Reserve 3/4 cup for topping. Press remainder into prepared pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are golden.

Filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs and almond extract until smooth. Spread evenly over hot crust. Bake for 15 minutes. Stir jam until smooth. Spread over filling. Stir sliced almonds into reserved crumble mixture. Sprinkle over jam. Bake for 15 minutes longer. Cool completely on wire rack. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight before cutting into squares. Store in refrigerator.