Italian Desserts Recipes - Festive Cheese Bars

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter

• 1 1/4 cups finely crushed graham crackers (about 18)

• 15-ounce carton ricotta cheese

• 1 egg

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons finely shredded orange peel

• 1 teaspoon almond extract

• 1/2 cup sliced almonds or chopped hazelnuts (filberts)

• 1/3 cup chopped candied cherries

• 1/3 cup golden raisins

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Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Place butter in a 9x9x2-inch baking pan. Place the pan in the oven about 6 minutes or until butter is melted. Remove from oven.

2. Stir crushed graham crackers into melted butter. Using a wooden spoon, press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly onto the bottom of the pan. Set aside.

3. In a blender or food processor combine ricotta cheese, egg, sugar, flour, orange peel, and almond extract. Cover and blend or process until smooth.

4. Carefully spread cheese mixture over crumb mixture. In a small bowl combine nuts, cherries, and raisins; sprinkle over cheese layer.

5. Bake in the 350°F oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until edges are puffed and golden. Cool in pan on a wire rack for 1 hour; cover and chill for 2 hours. Cut into bars.