Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   1      c             White flour
     1/3  c             Brown sugar
   1      t             Cinnamon
     1/2  t             Baking powder
     1/4  t             Salt
   1 1/2  c             Dried apricots
   1      tb            Walnuts, chopped
   1      tb            Cashews, chopped
     1/3  c             Maple syrup
--------------------------ICING----- --  
   1      c             Icing sugar
   2      tb            Shortening
     1/2  t             Vanilla
   1      tb            Apple juice

Preparation:

Sift together flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder and salt. Stir in the apricots and nuts. Add the syrup. Stir until the mixture forms a thick batter. Spread the batter into a lightly oiled 8" X 8" baking pan (it is hard work, but it will cover -- trust me!). Bake at 350F for 30 to 35 minutes or until the bars test done. Allow to cool slightly, cut into bars. When completely cool, spread with icing and drizzle some melted chocolate over the top if desired. ICING: Cream together sugar and shortening. Add remaining ingredients and beat until smooth. Makes 1/2 cup.