Repost from GRS: Apricot Shortbread Bars

[gayle-mo]

I dug out this recipe to bake for a get together tonight. I've made it for years and they are so quick and good! Thought I'd repost. This is copied and pasted from Gail's.

Apricot Bars

I first posted this recipe in 2000. It's really a great recipe. I have tweaked it many ways over the years and have made them apricot, raspberry and strawberry. Slivered almonds make an especially elegant substitution but you just can't go wrong with these and they are so easy! I never make a single batch. They go fast! Hope this is what you are looking for.

¾ c butter, soft (no margarine)

1 c sugar

1 egg

1 c flour

¼ tsp baking powder

1 1/3 c sweetened coconut

½ c walnuts (I’ve used pecans or almonds at various times)

½ tsp vanilla

12 oz apricot preserves (or other flavor)

In large mixing bowl cream butter and sugar. Add egg, mix well. Mix together the flour and baking powder and gradually add to the butter mixture. Add coconut, nuts and vanilla, blending well.

Press two thirds of the dough into a greased 9 x 13" baking pan. Spread with preserves. Crumble remaining dough over top of preserves. (Sliced almonds on top is a nice touch, though not in the recipe.)

Bake at 350°F for 30 - 35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool and cut into squares.

Makes 36 bars.

 

[lisainla]

These are so good, my MIL used to make them every year at Christmas time, except

instead of cumbling the reserved douhg on top, she would press it between her fingers to make a thin layer on top of the cookies. I like your method better.

 

[angak]

Gayle, I think this would definitely qualify as a "favorite".

 

[gayle-mo]

Oh, YUM! After tasting them again I think I agree! smileys/smile.gif Going to add them now....thx Ang!

Lisa, crumbling the dough on the top makes a lacy pattern when they bake. So pretty!

Glad I'm taking these somewhere tonight or I'd eat waaay too many!