Raspberry Squares

Ingredients:

• 1 1/3 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/3 cup + 3 tbsp. confectioners' sugar
• 8 tbsp. unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 1/2 tsp. almond extract
• 1 cup red raspberry preserves
• 1 cup unsweetened frozen raspberries
• 24 fresh raspberries (optional)

Makes 24 Servings (1 square per serving)

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. Place flour, 1/3 cup confectioners' sugar, butter, and almond extract in a food processor; pulse to combine, until the butter is in pea-size pieces.
3. Spoon flour mixture into 9 x 13-inch ungreased baking dish; smooth into an even layer and tap with back of a spatula to for ma crust. Bake until just starts to turn golden, about 20 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium heat, combine preserves and frozen raspberries; cook, stirring occasionally, until preserves liquefy and frozen raspberries thaw, 3-5 minutes.
5. When crust is ready, pour raspberry mixture over top of hot crust and smooth into an even layer; bake until set, 20-25 minutes. Remove from oven and cool in pan until just warm. Cut into 24 even pieces, remove from pan and cool completely on a wire rack. When raspberry bars are completely cool, dust with remaining 3 tablespoons confectioners'' sugar. Top each square with a fresh raspberry, if desired.

WW POINTS VALUE: 5 pts.

Note: This recipe appears in the Weight Watchers Magazine. This dessert will get you into any holiday spirit. The longer you set these squares, the easier they will be able to cut and enjoy. If you don't have almond extract on hand, use vanilla extract instead because the combination of fruit and vanilla is delicious. You don't even need the extra confectioners' sugar on top of these squares because they are that tasty. These squares are also tasty with topped with any kind of berry or even dried apricots.