Italian Cheese Bars
These moist bars have the light texture and classic flavor of traditional Italian cheesecake.
Prep Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 45 mins
Servings:
Makes 20.
Ingredients
-
1/2 cup butter or margarine
-
1-1/4 cups finely crushed graham crackers (about 18)
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1 15-ounce container fat-free ricotta cheese
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1 egg
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1/4 cup sugar
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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2 teaspoons finely shredded orange peel
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1 teaspoon almond extract
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1/2 cup sliced almonds or chopped hazelnuts
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1/3 cup chopped candied cherries
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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.
Make-ahead tip
Store cooled bars in tightly covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition information
Calories 138, Total Fat 7 g, Saturated Fat 3 g, Cholesterol 26 mg, Sodium 124 mg, Carbohydrate 13 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 5 g. Daily Values: Vitamin A 5%, Vitamin C 1%, Calcium 11%, Iron 3%.
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet
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