Great tasting snack bars chockful of dried fruit, chocolate chips and crunchy walnuts, drizzled with a chocolate glaze.

California Chocolate & Fruit Bars

6 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon freshly grated orange peel
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
1 cup milk chocolate chips

Milk Chocolate Glaze:

1/4 cup milk chocolate chips

3/4 teaspoons vegetable shortening (do not use butter, margarine or oil)

1. Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease 9-inch square baking pan.
2. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and egg in large bowl until fluffy. Add orange peel and vanilla; beat until blended.
3. Stir together flour, baking soda and salt; add to butter mixture. Stir in apricots, walnuts and chocolates; spread into prepared pan.
4. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until lightly browned and bars begin to pull away from sides of pan. Cool completely in pan on wire rack.
5. Prepare Milk Chocolate Glaze: Place chocolate chips and shortening in small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at HIGH (100%) 45 seconds or until chocolates are melted and mixture is smooth when stirred; drizzle over top of bars. Allow to set; cut into bars.

Makes about 16 bars.