Recipe

Italian Cheese Bars Recipe

	Flavorsofitaly / All my dishes 7 months ago These colorful cheese bars make wonderful food gifts for the holidays! Prep:20m Cook:30m Servings:20	Flavorsofit
	italian christmas colorful yummy dessert

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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. 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. 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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