Almond Apricot Bars

Ingredients:

2 cups vanilla or white chocolate chips, divided

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs, at room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup all-purpose flour

3/4 cup apricot jam

1/2 cup sliced almonds

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a microwave, melt  cup chips; set aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in melted chips and vanilla. Gradually beat in flour. Spread half of the batter into a greased 8" square baking dish. Bake at 325 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Spread with jam.

Stir remaining chips into remaining batter. Drop by tablespoons over jam; carefully spread over top. Sprinkle with almonds. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely on a wire rack. Cut into squares; cut squares diagonally in half.