1 c. dried apricots
1/2 c. sugar
1 3/4 c. water
3/4 c. (1 1/2 sticks) butter
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 c. sifted flour
1/4 tsp. salt
Almonds & shredded coconut

Combine apricots, sugar and water in saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring until apricots are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed (20 minutes). Sieve fruit and set aside.

Cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add vanilla. Sift flour and salt; slowly add to creamed mixture. Spread batter evenly on bottom of 9 x 9 x 2 inch pan (greased). Spread sieved apricots over batter and bake in 350 degree oven, 25-30 minutes. Cool. Cut into 1 x 2 inches. Decorate with almond slivers and flaked coconut. Makes 20 bars.