Raspberry Cougar Gold Bars

1/2 cup finely chopped hazelnuts
1-1/2 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
1-1/2 cup shredded Cougar Gold or sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup raspberry jam 


Chop hazelnuts & reserve for later. 
Combine flour, baking powder, salt & brown sugar. Cut in butter until mixture looks like coarse crumbs. 
Stir in cheese (this may all be done in a food processor). 
Set aside 3/4 cup of this mixture. Press remaining mixture in bottom of ungreased 8 inch square pan. 
Spread jam evenly over crust. Sprinkle with hazelnuts, pressing in gently. 
Sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture and pat gently. 
Bake at 350º for 25 minutes or until golden. 
Cool in pan. Cut into bars. 
Store in refrigerator. 

Makes 16 bars.