Southern Apricot Bars

Ingredients

3/4 cup dried apricots

cups flour

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup butter

2 eggs

1 cup firmly-packed brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup chopped nuts

Preparation

Cover apricots with water; bring to a boil and cook 10 minutes. Drain; cut in pieces. Combine 1 cup flour and sugar in small mixing bowl; cut in butter until particles are fine (use low speed of mixer). Press into bottom of 9-inch square pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 25 minutes. Beat eggs in small mixing bowl until foamy. Add brown sugar, 1/3 cup flour, baking powder, vanilla and salt; beat well. Stir in apricots and nuts Spread over baked layer. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool; cut in bars.