Apricot Oatmeal Bars

Apricot Oatmeal Bars are a delicious snack or dessert. They are easy to prepare and can stay fresh in an airtight container for days, if they last that long.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 cup (one stick) unsalted butter or margarine, room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed firmly
• 2 eggs
• ½ tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup apricots, coarsely chopped (you can use raisins, dates or other dried fruit instead of apricots)
• Note: to plump up very dry apricots, leave them in a bowl of warm water for 20-30 minutes before preparing the recipe

In small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Set aside.

Using a standing or hand mixer, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time plus vanilla. Beat in the flour mixture or stir it in by hand until smooth. Fold in oats, chocolate chips and apricots. Press mixture into prepared pan.

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown - the dough may still be soft to the touch but not raw. Remove from oven.

Allow the bars to cool, unmold from pan and cut into squares, trimming outer edges, if desired. Delicious!

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