| AWESOME APRICOT OATMEAL BARS |
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Makes 3 Dozen Bars2/3 cup chopped dried apricots 2/3 cup water 1/2 cup SMUCKER'S Apricot Preserves 1 tablespoon granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon almond extract 1 cup Butter Flavor CRISCO Shortening or 1 Butter Flavor Crisco Stick 1 -1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar 1 -1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 -1/2 cups quick oats (not instant or old fashioned) 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt Combine apricots and water in small covered saucepan. Cook on medium heat about 10 minutes. Remove lid. Cook until apricots are tender and water has evaporated. Add preserves, granulated sugar and almond extract. Stir until preserves melt. Cool to room temperature. Heat oven to 350ºF. Combine Butter Flavor Crisco, brown sugar, flour, oats, baking powder and salt in large bowl. Mix at low speed of electric mixer until well blended and crumbly. Press 1/2 of the mixture in bottom of ungreased 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan. Spread filling evenly over crust. Sprinkle remaining mixture over filling. Press down gently. Bake at 350ºF for 30 minutes, or until crust is golden brown. Cool slightly. Run spatula around edge of pan to loosen. Cut into 2 x 1-1/2-inch bars. Cool in pan on cooling rack. |
