Raisin Apricot Bars - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups dried apricots, quartered
3/4 cup water
1 1/3 cups dark raisins
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups rolled oats

Preparation

In a saucepan, combine apricots, water, raisins, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch & pumpkin pie spice, & cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils & thickens. Remove from heat & cool.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F, & grease a 13\"x9\" baking dish.
In a large mixer bowl, cream butter & brown sugar.
Add flour, baking powder, salt & rolled oats, & mix well.
Pat half of this mixture into bottom of prepared baking dish, then spread cooled fruit mixture over that.
Sprinkle remaining flour mixture evenly over the fruit & lightly press it down.
Bake 22-25 minutes, or until firm in the center & topping is crisp.
Cool completely before cutting into 2\" squares.