1/2 c. whole almonds, ground
1 c. flour
1/4 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 stick butter, cut into bits (1/2 c.)
1 lg. egg, beaten lightly

FUDGE:

1 can sweetened condensed milk
2 tbsp. sugar
2 tbsp. unsalted butter
1/4 tsp. almond extract
12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
1/3 c. sliced almonds

1. Make the crust: In a bowl stir together the almonds, flour, sugar and the salt; add the butter, and combine the mixture until it resemble coarse meal. Add the egg and blend the mixture well. Press the dough into a baking pan, 13 x 9 inch, and bake it in a preheated 350 degree oven for 18-20 minutes, or until crust is golden.

2. Make the fudge while the crust is baking: In a large heavy saucepan combine the condensed milk, sugar, butter, and the almonds extract and heat the mixture over low heat, stirring, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is hot. Remove the pan from the heat, stir in the chocolate with a wooden spoon, and beat the fudge until it is smooth.

3. Spread the fudge evenly over the warm crust, sprinkle it with the sliced almonds, and let the fudge cool completely. Cut the dessert into 2 x 1 inch bars and transfer the bars to a portable container, separated by sheets of wax paper.