FIRST PLACE APRICOT-DATE BARS

First Place Apricot-Date Bars image

Provided by Judi Harris-Nulle

Categories Cookies

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 14

FIRST PLACE APRICOT-DATE BARS
CRUMB MIXTURE
3/4 c melted shortening
1 c brown sugar, firmly packed
2 c all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
2 c old-fashioned oats
1 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
APRICOT FILLING
1 c pitted dates cut into small pieces
1 8 ounce package dried apricots, cut into small pieces
1/2 c brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2 c kern's apricot nectar

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. For the crumb mixture, in a large bowl blend shortening, sugar and vanilla. Sift flour, soda, and salt and add to bowl. Add the oatmeal; work well with hands. Press 1/2 of the mixture onto a medium greased cooking sheet, pressing down firmly.
3. For the apricot filling, put the pitted dates, dried apricots, brown sugar, and apricot nectar in a sauce pan and cook for about 5 minutes until thick. Stir constantly as it can easily burn. The apricot nectar should evaporate while it cooks. Cool slightly (about 5 minutes) before spreading on crumb mixture. Once cool, spread apricot mixture on top of the crumb mixture. Top with the rest of the crumb mixture, pressing down firmly. Bake for 30 minutes or until top is brown. Cool before cutting and serving.