Instructions: Beat butter until fluffy in medium bowl; beat in sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla. Mix in combined flour, baking soda, and salt; mix in milk. Spread dough evenly in greased jelly roll pan, 15" x 10"; spread with preserves. Spread Almond Filling over jelly. Bake at 350 until light brown, about 35 minutes. Cool in pan on wire rack. Spread Chocolate Icing over top; cut into bars. Top with almonds.

Almond Filling: Bet almond paste, sugar, butter, and vanilla until smooth; beat in eggs and egg white. Mix in several drops of food color if desired.

Chocolate Icing: Heat chocolate and butter in small saucepan over low heat until melted. Stir in sugar, vanilla, and enough milk to make spreading consistency.

Yield: 5 dozen

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