Brandied Cranberry Apricot Bars

This recipe won the 1996 grand prize in the prize tested recipes contest in better homes and gardens magazine. Delicious! a french recipe!

Steps

In a 4 cup glass measuring bowl combine raisins , cranberries , apricots , and brandy or water.

Cover with plastic wrap.

Turn back a corner to vent.

Cook on high for 2 minutes.

Let stand for 20 minutes.

Drain.

For crust , in a medium mixing bowl stir together 1 cup flour and 1 / 3 cup brown sugar.

Cut in margarine or butter till mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Press into an ungreased 8x8x2-inch baking pan.

Bake in a 350 oven about 20 minutes.

Or till golden.

In a medium bowl beat eggs with a mixer on low speed for 4 minutes.

Stir in the 1 cup brown sugar , the 1 / 2 cup flour , and vanilla.

Add drained fruit and nuts.

Stir to mix.

Pour mixture over crust.

Spread evenly.

Bake about 40 minutes.

Or till a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean , covering with foil the last 10 minutes.

To prevent over-browning.

Cool.

Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

To serve , cut into squares.

Makes 16 bars.

Ingredients

golden raisin, dark raisin, dried cranberries, dried apricot, brandy, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, margarine, eggs, vanilla, pecans, powdered sugar