In a medium mixer bowl, beat the first ¼ cup sugar, margarine or
butter, shortening and ¼ tspn vanilla on medium speed of an electric
mixer until combined. Blend in flour and salt until crumbly. Pat onto the
bottom of a 9" pan. Set aside.
Place apple slices in a single layer in a shallow baking pan. Cover with
foil. Bake in a 400°F oven for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, for filling, in a large mixer bowl, beat the cream cheese, the
½ cup sugar and the ½ tspn vanilla with an electric mixer until
fluffy.
Add the eggs, all at once, beating on low speed just until combined. Pour
into dough-lined pan.
Arrange warm apple slices on top of the filling.
Combine the remaining sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle filling with sugar mixture
and the almonds. Bake in a 400°F oven for 40 minutes or until golden.
Cool. Remove sides and place cake on a serving plate.
