Apricot Bars

Makes 20 servings

This recipe replaces most of the fat with an apricot puree that you can easily make in your blender or food processor. After you puree the apricots, add the other ingredients and mix. The lemon zest really enhances the apricots and these bars burst with sweet flavor.

    3/4 cup dried apricots, divided                                
    1/3 cup water                                                  
    3/4 cup all-purpose flour                                      
    1 teaspoon baking powder                                       
    3/4 teaspoon cinnamon                                          
    1/4 teaspoon baking soda                                       
    1 egg                                                          
    1/2 cup granulated sugar                                       
    1 tablespoon canola oil                                        
    1 tablespoon grated lemon zest                                 
    1 teaspoon vanilla extract                                     
    2 teaspoons powdered sugar                                     

 Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray an 8 X 8-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.

 In a small saucepan, simmer 1/2 cup of the apricots in the water, covered, for 2 minutes. Cool, but do not drain. In a small bowl, dice the remaining apricots.

 Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and baking soda. Stir in the diced apricots.

 In a blender, add the cooled apricot mixture and puree, about 1 minute. Add the egg, granulated sugar, oil, zest, and vanilla and mix until just blended, about 30 seconds. Pour this mixture into the middle of the flour mixture and stir until just combined. Spread in the prepared pan and bake until golden brown and edges begin to crust, 18-20 minutes.

 Sprinkle powdered sugar over the warm bars. Cool before cutting You can place the apricot squares in decorative mini-muffin liners to serve.