1/2 c. butter
1/3 c. sugar
1/4 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 c. flour
1 (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1/4 c. sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp. vanilla
4 c. peeled, sliced apples (Granny Smith)
1/4 c. sliced almonds (opt.)
1/3 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1. Cream butter, sugar, vanilla, then blend in flour. Spread dough onto bottom and 1 1/2" up the side of a 9" spring form pan.

2. Combine cream cheese with sugar, mix well then add egg and vanilla. Pour over pastry in pan.

3. Combine sugar and cinnamon. Toss with apples then spoon over cream cheese layer (can arrange in decorative pattern). Pour any juice form apples over top and sprinkle with almonds, if desired.

Bake at 450 degrees for 10 minutes, reduce heat to 400 degrees and continue baking for 25 minutes. Loosen torte from sides with a small spatula but do not remove from pan until completely cool. Can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Serves 8 to 10.