Baking Week! Almond Brownies

Mmmm. Almonds and chocolate. Delicious! These bars have a decadent homemade brownie layer topped by a creamy almond-flavored frosting. I think I'll snitch one right now!

Almond Brownies - 3 dozen
Brownies:

1/2 c. butter, softened
1 c. sugar
4 eggs
16 oz. chocolate syrup
1/2 tsp. almond extract
1 c. plus 1 Tbs. flour
1/2 tsp salt

Frosting:
1 c. semisweet chocolate chips
1 (8oz.) carton Cool Whip, thawed, divided
1/4 tsp. almond extract
1/2 c. chopped almonds

In a large bowl,, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in chocolate syrup and extract. Combine flour and salt; gradually add to chocolate mixture. Pour into a greased 13x9 inch baking pan. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean (brownies may appear moist). Cool on wire rack. For frosting, in a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and 1 cup Cool Whip; stir until smooth. Cool. Fold in extract and remaining Cool Whip. Spread over cooled brownies. Sprinkle with almonds. Store in refrigerator.