2/3 c. dried apricots
1/2 c. butter
1/4 c. sugar
1 1/3 c. sifted flour
1 c. brown sugar, firmly packed
2 eggs, well beaten
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. chopped almonds
Confectioners' sugar (optional)

Rinse apricots; cover with water and simmer 10 minutes. Drain, cool, and chop.

Combine butter, white sugar and 1 cup flour. Mix until crumbly. Pack into greased 9-inch square pan. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes.

Gradually beat brown sugar into eggs. Add sifted flour, baking powder, and salt. Add vanilla, 1/4 cup almonds and apricots. Spread on baked layer. Sprinkle with remaining nuts. Bake in moderate 350 degree oven about 20 minutes. Cool in pan on rack. Cut into 1 1/2 inch squares. If you wish, sprinkle lightly with powdered sugar. Makes 2 1/2 dozen.