Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   1      cup           White flour
     1/3  cup           Brown sugar
   1      teaspoon      Cinnamon
     1/2  teaspoon      Baking powder
     1/4  teaspoon      Salt
   1 1/2  cups          Dried apricots
   1      tablespoon    Walnuts -- chopped
   1      tablespoon    Cashews -- chopped
     1/3  cup           Maple syrup
                        -----ICING-----
   1      cup           Icing sugar
   2      tablespoons   Shortening
     1/2  teaspoon      Vanilla
   1      tablespoon    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.