Apricot Oat Bars

Filling:

1 13 ounce jar apricot jam or perserves (about 1 1/4 cup)
8 dried apricots, chopped into 1/4 inch pieces

Crust

1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1 cup packed light brown augar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 3/4 cups old fashioned oats
1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
1 cup melted unsalted butter, melted
1 egg at room temperature, beaten
1 teaspoon pure vanilla

Put an oven rack in the center of the oven.  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Spray a 9 x 13 inch metal baking dish with cooking spray.

Filling:  In a small bowl, mix together the jam and apricots.  Set aside.

Crust:  In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, salt and baking soda.  Stir in the oats and walnuts.  Add the butter, egg and vanilla and stir until incorporated.

Using a fork or clean fingers, lightly press half of the crust mixture onto the bottom of the prepared pan.  Using spatula, spread the filling over the crust leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edge of the pan.  Cover the filling with the remaining crust mixture and gently press to flatten.  Bake until light golden, about 30 to 35 minutes.  Cool for one hour.  Cut into bars and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.