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Prep Time: 0 Minutes Cook Time: 30 Minutes |
Ready In: 30 Minutes Servings: 20 |
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These colorful cheese bars make wonderful food gifts for the holidays! Ingredients:
* 1/2 cup butter or margarine |
* 1-1/4 cups finely crushed graham crackers (about 18) |
* 1 15-ounce container fat-free 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 |
* 1/3 cup chopped candied cherries |
* 1/3 cup golden raisins |
Directions:
1. 1. Heat oven to 350 degree F. Melt butter or margarine in a 9x9x2-inch baking pan in the oven (about 6 minutes). Remove from oven. Stir crushed crackers into melted butter or margarine; press mixture firmly and evenly onto bottom of pan using a wooden spoon. Set aside.
2. 2. Combine the ricotta cheese, egg, sugar, flour, orange peel, and almond extract in a blender container or food processor bowl; blend or process until smooth. Carefully spread cheese mixture over crumb mixture. Combine the almonds or hazelnuts, cherries, and raisins; sprinkle over cheese layer. Bake 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. Makes 20.
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