Luscious Apricot Bars
- One 7-ounce package dried apricots
- 1⁄2 cup (1 stick) butter, soft ened
- 1⁄4 cup granulated sugar
- 11⁄3 cups sift ed all-purpose fl our
- 1⁄2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1⁄2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Confectioners’ sugar
Instructions:
I bake about forty different kinds of cookies, cakes, and candy for the holidays. I start baking in October and freeze and give everyone plates of baked goods at Christmas. Luscious Apricot Bars is one recipe I always include.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8- inch square baking pan.
- Combine the apricots and 11⁄2 cups water in a medium saucepan. Cook for 10 minutes over medium heat; drain well. Set aside.
- Combine the butter, granulated sugar, and 1 cup of the flour in a small bowl. Using a fork, mix until crumbly and press into the prepared pan. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden.
- Chop the apricots. Sift together the remaining 1⁄3 cup flour, the baking powder, and salt in a small bowl. Combine the brown sugar and eggs in a medium bowl, stirring with a fork until well blended. Add the flour mixture; blend well.
- Stir in the vanilla, walnuts, and chopped apricots. Spread evenly over the crust and bake for 30 minutes, or until lightly browned.
- Set the pan on a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into bars and roll in confectioners’ sugar.