Apricot Bars

• dried apricot↗2⁄3 cup
• water↗1⁄2 cup
• unsalted butter↗1⁄2 cup

  softened

• powdered sugar↗1⁄4 cup
• all-purpose flour↗1 1⁄3 cups

  divided (1 cup & 1/3 cup)

• eggs↗2
• light brown sugar↗1 cup

  packed

• baking powder↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• salt↗1⁄4 teaspoon
• vanilla extract↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• walnuts↗1⁄2 cup

  chopped

• powdered sugar↗1⁄4 cup

  for garnish (optional)

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees F & grease an 8-inch square baking dish.

2. 2

   In a small saucepan, cook apricots in water over medium heat for 10 minutes or until softened, then drain, cool & chop, before setting aside.

3. 3

   In a large bowl, cream butter & powdered sugar until light & fluffy, then gradually add 1 cup of the flour until well blended.

4. 4

   Press into the prepared baking dish & bake for 20 minutes or until lightly browned.

5. 5

   Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat eggs & brown sugar until blended.

6. 6

   In another small bowl, whisk together the baking powder, salt & the remaining 1/3 cup of flour, then gradually add this flour mixture to the egg mixture.

7. 7

   Beat in the vanilla, then stir in the apricots & nuts before pouring this mixture over the crust.

8. 8

   Bake for 30 minutes or until set, then cool on a wire rack.

9. 9

   When cooled, if desired, dust with powdered sugar, then cut into bars. Store any left-over bars in the refrigerator.