Luscious Apricot Bars
This recipe came from an old Good Housekeeping cookbook.  If you like apricots, you'll love these rich, to-die-for bars.
2/3 cup dried apricots 1/2 cup soft butter 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1 1/3 cups sifted all-purpose flour 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp salt 1 packed cup brown sugar 2 eggs 1/2 tsp vanilla 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans confectioner's sugar

Rinse apricots, place in small pan.  Cover with water and boil 10 minutes.  Drain, cool, chop.

While waiting for apricots to cool, preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease an 8" x 8" x 2" pan.  Mix butter, granulated sugar and 1 cup flour until crumbly.  Pack into the bottom of the pan and bake 25 minutes.

Filling:
Sift 1/3 cup flour with baking powder and salt.  Using the mixer at low speed, beat the eggs.  Gradually add the brown sugar.  When it is mixed, add in flour mixture, then vanilla.  Stir in nuts and apricots.  Spread over baked layer and bake an additional 30 minutes until done.

Cool in pan.  Sprinkle with confectioners sugar.  Cut into squares.

Happy eating!!

April 2007