Luscious Apricot Bars Recipe

One 7-ounce package dried apricots
½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 1/3 cups sifted all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup packed light brown sugar
2 eggs, beaten
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Confectioners’ sugar

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
2. Combine the apricots and 1½ cups water in a medium saucepan. Cook for 10 minutes over medium heat; drain well. Set aside.
2. 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 25 minutes,or until crust is lightly golden.

Makes 24 bars
3. Chop the apricots. Sift together the remaining 1/3 cup flour, 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 30 minutes, or until lightly browned.
4. Set the pan on a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into bars and roll in confectioners’ sugar.

Tips From Our Test Kitchen: The apricot bars freeze well.