(Taken from Best of Country Cookies)
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1/2 tsp. almond extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
FILLING:
2 cups (12 oz.) semisweet chocolate chips
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese
1 can (5 oz.) evaporated milk
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1/2 tsp. almond extract
In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in extract. Combine flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture until mixture resembles coarse crumbs (do not overmix). Set aside half for topping. Press the remaining crumb mixture into a greased 13 X 9 X 2″ baking pan.
For filling, combine the chocolate chips, cream cheese and milk in a saucepan. Cook over low heat until chips are melted; stir until smooth and blended. Remove from the heat; stir in walnuts and extract. Spread over crust; sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture.
Bake at 375 degrees for 35 – 40 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars. YIELD: 4 dozen.
ENJOY!!!!!