Apricot Squares

Apricot Squares

I love apricots, in any form and they are just about my most favourite fruit. This old ish recipe was given to me by a friend and is a doddle to make and delicious. I have been given so many recipes and old cookbooks by those who know me and I am extremely grateful and lucky to have many friends that help me in my research! I could not continue this Page/Blog without the endless contributions by friends and regulars who follow this page. Thank you!

You will need a Swiss roll tin, about 7” x 12”, buttered, with the base lined with parchment.

Pre heat your fan oven to 160C

These yummy treats are cooked and made in two parts:

5 oz plain flour

2 oz caster sugar

3 oz butter

Place the above ingredients in a medium bowl and rub the butter into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs. Spread the buttery flour evenly over the base of the tin and press well down. Bake for about 20 mins then leave to go cold.

5 oz soft dried apricots, chopped fairly small

2 oz chopped walnuts

1 teaspoonful lemon zest

1½ oz plain flour

6  oz soft light brown sugar [although I used light muscovado]

1 teaspoonful baking powder

2 eggs

½ teaspoonful vanilla extract or bean paste

In a small bowl mix together the flour and baking powder. In your medium bowl, whisk the eggs, vanilla and sugar together, then stir in the flour. Add the fruit, zest and nuts them mix well. Tip evenly over your base and bake again for about 25-30 mins. I turned the oven down to 150C after ten minutes.

Cool in the tin then carefully cut int