Layered Apricot Bars

Ingredients

• 0.5 teaspoon double-acting baking powder 
• 0.8 cup firmly brown sugar packed
• 0.5 cup butter softened
• 6 ounce apricots dried
• 2 large eggs 
• 1.3 cups flour all-purpose divided
• 18 servings powdered sugar 
• 0.3 teaspoon salt 
• 0.3 cup sugar 
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 
• 0.5 cup walnuts chopped

Equipment

• frying pan
• sauce pan
• oven
• hand mixer
• aluminum foil

Directions

1. Bring apricots and water to cover to a boil in a small saucepan. Reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered, 15 minutes or until tender.
2. Drain and coarsely chop apricots; set aside.
3. Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add 1/4 cup sugar, beating well. Stir in 1 cup flour, and press mixture into a lightly greased aluminum foil-lined 9-inch square pan.
4. Bake at 350 for 15 to 20 minutes or until lightly browned.
5. Beat eggs at medium speed until thick and pale; gradually add brown sugar, beating well.
6. Add remaining 1/3 cup flour, baking powder, and salt, beating well. Stir in chopped apricot, walnuts, and vanilla; spread mixture evenly over crust.
7. Bake at 325 for 45 minutes.
8. Let cool completely in pan.
9. Cut into bars; sprinkle with powdered sugar.
10. Prep: 25 min.;
11. Bake: 1 hr., 5 min.