Scrumptious Apricot Squares

These are delicious. Perhaps it is the butter I used for the crust. I truly believe that butter is such a plus in any recipe. I just love the richness it adds when it is an ingredient. For years, I used margarine when cooking. A fav baker of mine suggested I try two "real" ingredients. One being pure vanilla extract and the other butter. I had no idea what a difference these two ingredients would make in my baking.

This recipe is written a little different than most. It is easy to follow. Try it for a scrumptious treat. Psst..use butter and pure vanilla.

Apricot Squares

1/2 C. butter, softened
1/4 C. white sugar
1 C. all-purpose flour
1 C. water
2/3 C. dried apricots
2 eggs
1 C. packed light brown sugar
1/3 C. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. lemon juice
1/3 C. confectioners sugar for decoration

Preheat oven to 325. In medium bowl, mix together butter, sugar, and 1 cup flour. Press into bottom of 9x13-inch pan. Bake for 25 minutes in preheated oven. In small saucepan, put apricots and water. Bring to boil and cook for 10 minutes. Drain, chop and set apricots aside to cool. In bowl, beat eggs and brown sugar. Stir in 1/3 cup flour, bakiing powder, salt, vanilla and lemon juice. Fold in apricots. You may add 1 cup chopped nuts at this point if you desire. Pour over the prepared crust. Bake for an additional 20 minutes in the preheated oven or until firm. Cool and dust with confectioners sugar before cutting into squares.