Apricot Bars

1 stick unsalted butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup dried apricots, chopped
1/4 cup apricot jam
1/2 cup finely chopped almonds (optional)
pinch of salt
3/4 cup all purpose flour

Heat oven to 350*. Grease an 8x8 pan.

Melt the butter. Transfer to a large bowl and beat in the sugar until smooth. Then add the egg and almond extract, jam, apricots, and chopped almonds (if using).

Add the salt and gradually add the flour. Pour into the prepared pan and bake until just barely set in the middle, about 20-25 minutes. Cool on a rack before cutting.

I found this recipe via the Mark Bittman iPhone app I linked to here. It is an all-purpose bar recipe. You could add just about any sort of mix-in.

These accompanied us to the bro-in-law's for the 4th.

None of them returned home.

They must be good.