Ingredients
1-1/2 cups dried apricots
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
2-2/3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
4 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups packed brown sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup chopped nuts, walnuts or pecans are best
1/2 cup shredded coconut

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Rinse the apricots, cover with water in a pot and boil for 5 minutes to soften them. Drain, cool and chop then set aside.

Combine the butter, sugar and 2 cups of the flour. Blend together until the mixture is crumbly. Pack the mixture into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

Beat the eggs and vanilla, then gradually add the brown sugar and beat until combined. Sift the remaining flour with the baking powder and salt. Blend into the egg mixture. Stir in the nuts, coconut and apricot pieces. Spread this mixture over the baked layer. Bake for another 30 minutes. Remove from oven, allow to cool before cutting into bars. Makes about 4 dozen cookies.