Apricot and Raisin Fruit Bars |
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Prep Time: 35 Minutes Cook Time: 45 Minutes |
Ready In: 80 Minutes Servings: 4 |
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Delicious and easy fruit bars that make good use of your food processor. These bars have a very intense not-too-sweet apricoty flavor, so are best if cut into small squares. Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter, chilled |
1 cup flour |
1/4 cup powdered sugar |
1 pinch salt |
18 -20 dried apricot halves, soaked in water and drained (20-30 minutes) |
1/2 cup raisins, soaked in water and drained (i soak both the raisins and the apricots in the same water) |
3 tablespoons lemon juice, divided |
2 large eggs |
1/2 cup sugar |
1/2 teaspoon baking powder |
1/8 teaspoon salt |
1/2 cup unsalted cashew halves or 1/2 cup cashew pieces |
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cut butter in pieces and place in the food processor bowl (fitted with the steel knife) with flour, powdered sugar and a pinch of salt.
3. Process until blended using on/off turns (5-10 seconds).
4. Press into a 9 x 9-inch pan.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes.
6. While crust is baking, make the topping.
7. Place drained apricots, raisins, one tablespoon lemon juice and 1/2 cup sugar in the processor bowl and process until chopped finely (5-10 seconds).
8. Pour into a seperate bowl and set aside.
9. Add eggs to processor bowl and mix using on/off turns for 5-10 seconds.
10. Add 2 tablespoons lemon juice, baking powder, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and apricots/raisin mixture.
11. Process using 3 on/off turns.
12. Fold in cashews, using one on/off turn.
13. Spoon mixture over baked crust, spreading evenly and covering whole crust.
14. Return to oven for 30-35 minutes or until done.
15. Cool on rack and sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired.
16. Cut into squares.
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