In the bowl of a food processor fitted with the blade, combiner the flour, 1 cup of the almonds, the butter, brown sugar, and vanilla. Process until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve 3/4 cup of the crumb mixture.
Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Press all of the remaining crumb mixture into a 11 x 17 jelly roll pan (ungreased) – building up 1/2 inch edges against the sides of the pan. Pre-bake this crust for 10 – 15 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Remove from the oven and spread the preserves over the crust (note: microwaving the jam for 20 to 30 seconds will make it easier to spread). Sprinkle to reserved crumbs and the remaining 1/2 cup of almonds over the preserves. Return to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Cool and cut into bars.
