Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray a 9 inch square or brownie pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper.
2. Gather and measure all ingredients.
3. Using a handheld or electric mixer with the paddle attachment, combine butter and sugar on medium speed for two to three minutes. Add in vanilla.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together flour and salt. Turn mixer on low and add flour to butter mixture one third at a time. Scrape down sides of bowl as needed. Mix just until flour disappears and dough starts to form into a ball.
5. Set dough onto a piece of parchment paper on your work surface. Reserve a fourth of the dough for the topping. Gently pat the remaining dough evenly into the square pan lined with parchment with a 1/4 inch rim ( of dough) up the sides. Spread the jam, leaving a 1/4 inch border on all four sides. In a small bowl, use your fingers to gently crumble the remaining dough and combine it with the granola, orange and lemon zest. Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the jam (you may not need to use all of it), covering most of the surface. Sprinkle almonds on top, if desired.
6. Bake for 40 -45 minutes, until edges and topping are golden.
7. Let cool completely. Cut into 12- 16 squares. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, optional.