3/4 c. butter
1 1/2 c. sugar, divided
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla or almond flavoring, divided
1 1/2 c. flour
1 (8 oz.) pkg. Philadelphia cream cheese
1/2 c. sour cream
2 eggs
2 c. finely sliced apples
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/3 c. sliced almonds

Cream butter, 1/2 cup of the sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of the vanilla (or almond if you prefer). Mix in flour. Press into 9"x9" springform or flan pan. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes and then cool.

Beat cream cheese. Add 1/2 cup of the sugar and the sour cream and continue beating. Add eggs and 1 teaspoon almond flavoring (or more if you like) and beat again. Pour over baked base.

Mix together apples, the last 1/2 cup of the sugar, and the cinnamon. Spoon apple mixture over cheese and sprinkle with sliced almonds.

Bake at 350°F for 1 hour. Turn oven off and leave cheesecake in for an additional 1/2 hour to 1 hour.