Apricot Delights

Christmas is the time of year when it seems more people are out baking, or perhaps just baking more then normal. Here is a recipe I tried this year and I while perhaps not your typical "Christmas" goody, it's very yummy.

Apricot Delights
1/3c butter or marg, softened
1/4c sugar
1 1/3c flour, divided
1c brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2t baking powder
2 eggs, beaten
1t vanilla
1c chopped, cooked dried apricots (see note below)
1c chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Combine butter and sugar. Beat until light and fluffy. Add 1c flour. Mix well. Spread mixture in a 9" square pan. Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Meanwhile, combine remaining 1/3c flour, brown sugar and baking powder. Mix well. Add eggs and vanilla and blend well. Stir in apricots and walnuts. Spread over partially baked base. Return to oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes. Cool completely and cut into squares.

Note: to cook apricots, combine dried apricots and 1c water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 10 min. Drain and chop apricots.