Apricot Pecan Bars

Filling

Step 1: Combine apricots and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, or until most of the water has soaked in. Drain excess water, if any, and set aside.

Step 2: Preheat oven to 350F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick foil, or regular foil coated with nonstick cooking spray.

Base

Step 3: In the bowl of a stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat the butter, sugar and salt on medium speed until creamy. Stir in flour to form a dough.

Step 4: Press dough into bottom of prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Set aside.

Topping

Step 5: Beat the brown sugar and eggs together with electric mixer on medium speed.

Step 6: Combine flour, baking powder and salt.

Step 7: With a spoon, stir flour mixture into egg mixture. Stir in cooked apricots, vanilla and pecans.

Step 8: Pour the filling mixture over baked base. Return pan to oven and bake another 20 minutes, or until bars appear set.

Step 9: Let cool completely in the pan. Lift from pan and remove foil. Set on cutting board and cut into sixteen squares.