Apricot Ribbon Bars

Description
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group
 * Source: South Idaho Press, Tuesday, November 21, 2006
 * Typed By: Susan Godfrey
 * Makes 16 Cookies

Ingredients

 * 1 cup Sun-Maid California apricots, chopped
 * ½ cup butter or margarine, softened
 * ⅔ cup firmly packed brown sugar
 * 1 tsp vanilla extract
 * ½ cup all-purpose flour
 * ½ tsp baking soda
 * 1½ cups old-fashioned oats
 * 1 cup chopped walnuts
 * ½ cup apricot jam

Directions

 * 1) Place apricots in small bowl and cover with warm water; soak 10 minutes.
 * 2) Pour off water and pat dry.
 * 3) Combine butter, brown sugar and vanilla; beat until well blended.
 * 4) Add flour and baking soda; mix well.
 * 5) Stir in oats and walnuts.
 * 6) Reserve 1 cup oat mixture for topping.
 * 7) Press remaining oat mixture into 8-inch square pan.
 * 8) Combine chopped apricots and jam.
 * 9) Spread apricot mixture to within ½ inch of edges.
 * 10) Sprinkle with reserved oat mixture; press lightly.
 * 11) Bake at 375 °F for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown.
 * 12) Cool in pan; cut into bars.