Apricot Squares - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 (1 -2 cup) cup butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 (12 ounce) jar apricot jam
2 egg whites
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup slivered almonds

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Cream butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla until fluffy.
Stir in flour until well blended.
Spread in ungreased 13x9 inch pan.
Bake 15 minutes.
Cool completely.
Spread jam over cooled crust.
Beat egg whites and almond extract until soft peaks form.
Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until stiff and glossy.
Spread over jam.
Sprinkle with almonds (if desired).
Bake at 350 for 15 to 20 minutes, or until egg whites are set and slightly golden.
Cool completely.
Cut into 2 inch squares.