CRUMB MIXTURE:

2 1/4 c. flour
1 c. sugar
1 c. butter, softened
1 egg
1 tsp. almond extract (optional)

FILLING:

1 (10 oz.) jar raspberry preserves (or any flavor)

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together all crumb ingredients. Beat at low speed until mixture is crumbly, 2-3 minutes. Reserve 1 1/2 cups crumb mixture. Press remaining crumb mixture on bottom of a greased 8-inch square baking pan. Spread the preserves to within 1/2 inch from edge of unbaked crumb mixture. Crumble remaining crumb mixture over preserves. bake for 42 to 50 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool completely. Cut into bars.