These moist flavorful bars are made with dried apricots that are reconstituted in hot water...so if you love apricots, you'll love these bars.

Apricot Bars

2/3 cup dried apricots
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour - divided use
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1/4 cup powdered sugar

1. Rinse dried apricots then cover with water. Boil for 10 minutes, drain, cool, and chop.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch baking pan. Mix together butter, sugar, and 1 cup flour until crumbly. Pat into the greased pan. Bake for 25 minutes.
3. Sift together 1/3 cup flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
4. Gradually mix brown sugar into beaten eggs. Add the flour mixture, vanilla, nuts, and the apricots.
5. Spread over the baked layer then bake 30 minutes longer. Cool in the pan, cut into bars, and roll in powdered sugar.

Makes 16 bars.