CHOCOLATE ALMOND BARS ENJOY DAN:

                   CHOCOLATE ALMOND BARS by CHEF DAN:

Makes 2 dozen

INGREDIENTS:

3/4-cup butter, softened

1-1/2-cups whole wheat flour

3/4-cup sugar

1-1/3-cup cocoa powder

1/3-teaspoon baking soda

1/8-teaspoon salt

1-1/2-teaspoons vanilla extract

3-egg whites, or eggbeaters

3/4-cup seedless raspberry jam

1-cup sliced almonds

DIRECTIONS: (PREHEAT OVEN TO 375 F)

1.   In a stand mixer add butter & sugar, beat until creamy.

2.   Add cocoa powder, baking soda, & salt.

3.   Beat until all ingredients are combined.

4.   Next add the egg whites, & vanilla extract.

5.   Then add in the flour & beat until combined.

6.   The dough should be a good ball constancy, if not put the dough in the refrigerator for a bit to harden up.

7.   Roll dough into 1-inch balls & place on parchment lice baking sheets, about 2-inches apart.

8.   Using your thumb, press each ball in the middle making a small imprint

9.   Add 1-teaspoon of raspberry jam to each chocolate ball imprint.

10  Add sliced almond on top of the jam.

11  Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.

12  Remove chocolate bars from the oven & let cool on a wire rick.

13  Then place in cookie wrappers.

ENJOY DAN:                                          CARPE VINUE (serve the wine)