Apple Cheese Torte

CRUST:

1 cup flour
1 stick butter, softened
1/3 cup sugar
½ tsp. almond extract
½ tsp. vanilla extract
¼ cup crushed pecans (optional)

FILLING:

8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
¼ cup sugar

TOPPING:

2 sliced apples (preferably Granny Smith)
1/3 cup sugar
½ tsp. ground cinnamon (or to taste)

Mix crust ingredients to form soft ball. Press into an 8-9-inch springform pan. Blend filling ingredients until smooth. Pour into unbaked crust. Top with apples, sugar and cinnamon. (NOTE: Other fruits, such as peaches, blueberries, pears, etc., can be substituted for the apples.)

Bake at 450º F for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 400º F, and bake for 25 minutes. Let cool before serving.