1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup margarine or butter, softened
1-1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup instant potato flakes
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 large egg
1 (7-ounce) tube almond paste
Preheat oven to 375°F (90°C).
In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt; blend in butter until mixture resembles crumbs. Press half of mixture in ungreased 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan. Reserve remaining crumb mixture for topping.
In large bowl, combine remaining ingredients, mixing well. Spread over the base; sprinkle reserved crumb mixture over filling.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool completely; cut into bars.
Makes about 24 bars.