Almond Cream Cheese Shortbread Bars

INGREDIENTS

Crust

1/2 cup

unsalted butter, very soft (1 stick)

1 cup

all-purpose flour

1/4 cup

confectioners’ sugar

1 tbsp

cornstarch

1/4

teaspoon salt, optional or to taste

Filling

4 oz

brick-style cream cheese, softened (lite is okay)

large egg

1/4 cup

granulated sugar

2 tbsp

all-purpose flour

to 2 teaspoons almond extract (I used 2)

Frosting

1/4 cup

unsalted butter, softened (half of 1 stick)

1 1/2 cups

confectioners’ sugar

to 2 teaspoons almond extract

about 2 tablespoons cream or milk

about 1/4 cup slivered almonds (mine were untoasted)