Wonderful Almond Bars (or your favorite recipe for dessert bars)

The Base
1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) any brand sugar cookie mix
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 egg
The Filling
1 can (8 oz) or 1 package (7 oz) almond paste, crumbled into 1/2-inch pieces
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
2 eggs
1/2 cup sliced almonds
The Topping
2 oz white chocolate baking bar, coarsely chopped (1/3 cup)
2 tablespoons shortening
1/4 cup sliced almonds

--Heat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, stir cookie base ingredients until soft dough forms. Spread in ungreased 13x9-inch pan. Bake 15 to 18 minutes or until light golden brown.
--Meanwhile, in large bowl, beat almond paste, sugar and 1/4 cup melted butter with electric mixer on low speed until blended. Add 2 eggs; beat until well blended (mixture may be slightly lumpy).
--Spread almond paste mixture over partially baked base. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup almonds. Bake 15 to 20 minutes longer or until filling is set (filling will puff up during baking). Cool completely, about 1 hour.
--In 1-quart heavy saucepan, melt white chocolate and shortening over low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth. Pour and spread over cooled bars. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup almonds. Let stand about 30 minutes or until topping is set. For bars, cut into 8 rows by 4 rows. Store covered at room temperature.
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): In step 1, bake 18 to 21 minutes. In step 3, bake 17 to 22 minutes.

Or

• Candy bars with a thank you note saying: From Our Newest Family Member

• A free movie rental certificate, with a note saying: Thanks for attending the Premiere for our little Star!

• A free Starbucks card for a free hot chocolate

• A baby bottle filled with Starburst candy or Starburst jelly beans