Marzipan Bars

These sweet and colourful bars make a splendid holiday treat. Although not technically marzipan, the taste and texture are similar but the effort required is considerably less! 

BOTTOM LAYER

Pastry for 9 inch (22 cm) pie shell

1/4 cup Raspberry jam

MIDDLE LAYER 

1/2 cup Butter (or hard margarine), softened

2/3 cup Granulated sugar

2 Large eggs

2/3 cup Rice flour

1/4 tsp. Salt

1 Drop of red liquid food coloring

1 Drop of green liquid food coloring

ALMOND ICING 

1 1/2 cups Icing (confectioner's) sugar

3 tbsp. Butter, softened

1 1/2 tbsp. Milk

1 tsp. Almond extract 

Bottom Layer: Press pastry into bottom of ungreased 9 x 9 inch (22 x 22 cm) pan. Spread jam over pastry. 

Middle Layer: Cream butter and sugar in medium bowl. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition until fluffy.  

Stir in rice flour and salt. Divide batter into 2 equal portions. Add red food colouring to 1 portion. Mix well. Add green food colouring to remaining portion. Mix well. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls, alternating colours, over jam to make a checkerboard pattern. It will spread flat as it bakes. Bake on bottom rack in 375°F (190°C) oven for about 25 minutes until golden. Cool. 

Almond Icing: Beat all 4 ingredients in small bowl until smooth. Spread evenly over middle layer. 

Cut into 36 squares.

http://www.companyscoming.com/recipes/marzipan-bars/2007/11/412/