APRICOT ALMOND BARS

• 1 cup dried apricots
• 2 cups water
• 8 Tbs. butter at room temperature
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup whole-wheat flour
• 1/3 cup plus 2 Tbs. all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 3/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1/2 tsp almond extract
• 1/4 tsp baking powder

Bring the apricots and water to a boil in a small pot over moderate heat. Remove from the heat and steep the apricots until plumped, about 15 minutes. Drain, chop finely, and set aside. Meanwhile, cream together the butter, sugar, whole-wheat flour, and 1/3 cup all-purpose flour. Press into the bottom of a greased 9-inch square baking pan and bake in a preheated 350F oven for 20 minutes. In a large bowl mix together the eggs, brown sugar, almonds, remaining all-purpose flour, almond extract, baking powder, and apricots. Spread the mixture on the crust and bake in a preheated 350F oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until lightly browned around the edges. Cool in the pan on a wire rack and cut into squares or bars. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Serves 8 to 12.