Lunch box yummy!

Well, Luke is back to school. After taking a long break (June to October) we decided to put him back in school. So I am back to making his lunches. I found this recipe and Luke wanted to try it... so we did. It was absolutely delicious and very east to make. I cooled them on the stove then put them in the fridge so I could cut them easier. I put them in Todd and Luke's lunches and Alex and I had some for breakfast :)

Lemon Apricot Walnut Bars
2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp lemon zest
1/3 tsp ground cardamom (optional)
1 cup quick cooking oatmeal
2/3 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
12 oz apricot preserves (approx 1 jar)

Preheat oven to 350F. Line a 9×13-inch pan with aluminum foil and lightly grease.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt

In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light. Beat in egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest and cardamom. Stir in flour mixture, followed by oatmeal and walnuts.

Take two cups (about 2/3) of the dough and press it into an even layer at the bottom of the prepared pan. You can use a little extra to patch any holes, though the layer should not be too thick.

Spread apricot preserves into an even layer on top of the base.
Crumble remaining dough with your fingertips and sprinkle evenly over the apricot layer.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, until bars are lightly browned and apricot filling is bubbling.
Allow to cool completely in the pan, then lift out using the aluminum foil and cut into bars.
Makes 36 bars.