Cranberry Chocolate Almond Bars

Cranberries aren't just for jellied cranberry sauce, they are perfect in breads and desserts. I adore cranberries, I always have a few bags of cranberries in my freezer. Little Foodie has been enjoying a little square of this dessert each day when she gets home from school, she enjoys it warmed up in the microwave "so the chocolate gets all melty". I adapted this recipe from one found on bakingbites.com. Enjoy!

1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup silvered almonds, divided
1/2 cup of chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt.
In a medium bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light. Beat in egg and vanilla extract. Add flour mixture and mix on low speed until just combined. Mix in chopped cranberries, chocolate chips and slivered almonds. Dough should have a cookie dough-like consistency.
Spread dough into prepared pan using a spatula to push it into the corners. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until top is lightly browned. Cool completely before slicing.