1 (17 oz.) can apricots, drained (reserve 1/2 cup)
2 1/3 c. 40% Bran Flakes, crushed
2 tbsp. brown sugar
1/4 c. butter, melted
1/2 c. water
1 envelope Knox unflavored gelatin
1/3 c. sugar
2 (8 oz.) pkgs. cream cheese, softened
1/2 tsp. almond extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Chop the apricots. Combine crushed Bran Flakes, brown sugar, reserve 3 tablespoons mixture. Press remaining onto bottom of 8 or 9 inch square baking pan. Bake 5 minutes, cool. Mix reserved syrup with water, bring to a boil. Meanwhile, in large bowl, mix unflavored gelatin with sugar. Add hot liquid and stir until gelatin is completely dissolved. With electric mixer beat in cream cheese and almond extract until smooth. Fold in fruit. Pour into prepared crust. Sprinkle with reserved Bran Flakes mixture. Garnish with reserved apricot halves, sliced. Makes about 12 servings.

Emma Osterkamp