Bavarian Apple Tart

Crust:

1 cup all purpose flour

1/2 cup of butter, softened

1/3 cup white sugar

1/4 tsp vanilla

Filling:

1/2 cup white sugar

2 – 8 oz packages of cream cheese, softened

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

4 cups of apples, peeled and sliced

1/3 cup white sugar

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

dask of cardamon

1/4 cup sliced almond

Combine the crust ingredients, blending well unitl dough forms a smooth ball. Press into the bottom of a 9 inch springform pan and the sides approximately 1 inch. Bake at 375. degrees for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside. Combine the 1/2 cup of sugar, cream cheese, eggs and vanilla. Spread this filling mixture over the crust. Place the apples in a bowl and toss with 1/3 cup of sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamon. Arrange the apples in circles over the filling, pressing the narrow end of apple into the filling. Bake for an additional 45 minutes at 375 degrees. Remove from oven and sprinkle with sliced almonds. Return to oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until center is set.  Remove from springform pan once completely cooled. Serve with vanilla bean ice cream (optional).