Apricot Bars

Ingredients:

2 (6 oz) pkg of dried apricots
3/4 cup of sugar
3/4 cup of softened unsalted butter or margarine
1 cup of sugar
2 cups of all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
3 oz of flaked coconut
1/2 cup chopped nuts ( optional) either pecans or walnuts

Directions:
Pre-heat oven to 350 Deg.

Cover the apricots with water and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat and let simmer, uncovered for 15 minutes or until they are tender.
Drain and reserve 1/4 cup of the liquid. Coarsely chop the cooked apricots and set aside.
Combine the reserved apricot liquid, and 3/4 cup of the sugar in a saucepan and simmer for 5 minutes.
Stir in the chopped apricots. Set aside.
Cream the butter and gradually add 1 cup of sugar. Beat until light and fluffy
Combine the flour, baking soda and salt and add to the creamed mixture mixing well. ( the mixture will be dry)
Stir in the coconut and nuts, if using. Pat about 3/4 of the mixture into an un-greased 13x9x2 in pan.
Bake for 10 minutes.
Spread the apricot mixture evenly over the top crust spreading 1/4 in from the edge. Sprinkle with the remaining coconut mixture and bake an additional 30 minutes.
Let cool in the pan and then chill before cutting into bars.
Stored in a cool place.
4 dozen