Strawberry Marzipan Bars

Crumb Mixture
1 1/4 cups flour
1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened

Filling
3/4 cup flour
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
3/4 cup strawberry preserves

Glaze
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon almond extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 9-inch square baking pan.

Crumb Mixture: In 1 1/2-quart mixing bowl, combine flour, brown sugar and butter. Beat at low speed for 1 to 2 minutes, scraping sides of bowl often, until mixture is crumbly. Press into prepared pan. Bake near center of oven 15 to 20 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.

Filling: In same 1 1/2-quart mixing bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, butter, salt and almond extract. Beat at low speed for 1 to 2 minutes, scraping sides of bowl often, until well mixed; set aside.

Spread preserves within 1/2 inch from edge of hot crust. Sprinkle reserved filling ingredients over preserves. Return to oven; bake 20 to 25 minutes longer or until edges are lightly browned.

Glaze: In small bowl, combine confectioners' sugar, milk and almond extract. Stir until smooth. Cool bars completely. Drizzle glaze over cooled bars. Cut into bars.

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