Chocolate Chip Apricot Bars

Chocolate Chip Apricot Bars 2/3 cup dried apricots 1/2 cup butter 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1 tablespoon freshly-grated lemon zest 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed 2 large eggs 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon almond extract 1/2 cup chopped nuts - I like walnuts but almonds or pecans are good, too. 1/2 cup chocolate chips Simmer the dried apricots in hot water for about 10-12 minutes. Drain, let cool, and roughly chop or grind in the food processor. Mix together the butter, white sugar, and 1 cup flour until crumbly. Sprinkle and press into an 8 or 9-inch greased baking pan. Bake at 375 degree for approximately 20 minutes or until a bit golden around the edges but not too much! Beat together the brown sugar and eggs. Mix in the remaining 1/3 cup flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the extracts, nuts, chocolate chips, lemon zest, and apricots. Spread evenly and carefully over the baked layer. Return to a 350 degree over to bake for about 20 more minutes. Cool in the pan on a rack. Drizzle with a lemon icing and cut into bars.