Dried Fruit Cookie Recipes - Golden Walnut Squares

Ingredients

BASE:

• 3/4 cup/120 g all-purpose/plain flour

• 2/3 cup/140 g firmly packed light brown sugar

• 4 tbsp cold butter, cup up

TOPPING:

• zest and juice of 1 orange

• zest and juice of 1/2 lemon

• water

• 3/4 cup/75 g dried apricots

• 1/3 cup/70 g firmly packed light brown sugar

• 2 tsp cornstarch/corn flour

• 1/2 cup/50 g finely chopped walnuts

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Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 350F/180C/gas 4. Place a large baking sheet in the hot oven. Butter an 8 inch (20cm) baking pan.

2. Base: Mix the flour and brown sugar in a large bowl. Use a pastry blender to cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Firmly press the mixture into the prepared pan to form a smooth, even layer. Place the pan on the heated baking sheet.

4. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly browned. Cool the base completely in the pan.

5. Topping: Mix the orange and lemon juices with enough water to make 2/3 cup liquid. Simmer the apricots in the liquid in a large saucepan for 15 minutes, or until they have softened.

6. Drain the apricots, reserving the liquid in a small bowl. Finely chop the apricots and return to the saucepan. Add both zests, the brown sugar, cornstarch, and 4 tablespoons apricot liquid.

7. Bring to the boil and boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Let cool, then spread it over the base. Sprinkle with walnuts.

8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool completely before cutting into bars.