Apricot Squares - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 1/2 c. canned apricots, drained
3/4 c. granulated sugar
1/4 c. water
2 c. sifted all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
3/4 c. butter or margarine
1 c. granulated sugar
1 1/2 c. flaked coconut
1/2 c. chopped pecans

Preparation

Combine canned apricots, 3/4 cup sugar and water; cook about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened. Cool. Sift flour, salt and soda together.
Cream butter or margarine, gradually adding 1 cup sugar; beat well.
Blend in dry ingredients.
Stir in coconut and pecans.
Press 3 cups of this crumbly mixture in bottom and halfway up sides of greased 9 x 13 x 2-inch pan.
Bake at 400\u00b0 for 10 minutes.
Spread apricot mixture over crust and sprinkle rest of crumbs over top.
Bake 20 to 25 minutes.
Cool; cut in squares.
Top with whipped cream, if desired.
Makes about 12 servings.