Apricot Oatmeal Bars, Just Like You Remember!

• dried apricots, chopped (about 15 to 16 ounces)↗2 1⁄2 cups
• flour↗4 cups
• quick-cooking oats↗3 1⁄2 cups
• packed light brown sugar2 cups
• baking soda↗4 teaspoons
• salt↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• unsalted butter, room temperature↗2 cups

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray bottom of a 9-by-13-inch rectangular pan with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.

2. 2

   Place the apricots in saucepan and cover with water. Bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes. Remove from heat and drain. Set aside.

3. 3

   In work bowl of electric mixer, combine flour, oats, sugar, baking soda and salt.

4. 4

   Add butter and beat on low speed until a crumbly mixture is formed, about 1 minute. Place half the mixture into the pan and press firmly into an even layer.

5. 5

   Spread apricots evenly over surface, then sprinkle remaining crumbs over the top. The pan will be almost full.

6. 6

   Bake in center of oven until light golden brown, about 50 minutes. Remove to a rack and cool completely (do not cut while warm or bars will be too crumbly). Gently cut into 24 pieces with a small, sharp knife.

7. 7

   Store in airtight container or cookie tin between layers of parchment or waxed paper.