apricot bars
Do you ever sit down and consider how blessed you are? After a weekend with family and the dearest of friends, the blessedness of my life seems to be as clear as ever. I find it easy to confine myself to the daily distractions, struggles and occasional disappointments that come with living in a city, never leaving room to step outside and view life from a wider angle. Whenever I go home to the mountains, my thoughts grow wider and clearer with all the extra room to breathe. Maybe it’s in part because of all the open space or just the simple joy of fresh pine in the air mingling with smoke billowing from a smoldering wood stove. It might be the slower pace of life or it could be the darkness that falls at night allowing me to gaze at the blanket of stars above, reminding me that I’m smaller than I think I am. Slowing down is easier when I’m in the mountains and spending time on the porch with coffee and a best friend while passing the time chatting about less weighty matters, tends to be a requirement.
I feel very fortunate to live within just a few hours of the rest of my family as well as one of my truest friends. It’s easy to drive up after a busy week and unwind in what feels like the wilderness, comparatively. When I stay with Joleen, in her sweet little cabin in the woods, we often bake together, enjoying the fruit of our labor on the porch swing, in our pajamas, with a tall cup of coffee, admiring the beauty of our surroundings. This time of year, the mornings are still a little brisk, warranting long pants and a light sweater, but warm enough for bare feet. We prop them up on the railing, balancing a plate of frittata or biscotti on our laps, cupping our mugs in our hands as we catch up on life. It’s one of my absolute favorite things to do.
Let me share our view from the porch: Isn’t it lovely?
Next time we are together, I’m suggesting we make these apricot bars. They are simple enough to assemble without cutting in to porch time and they are easy to eat with one hand while the other holds a mug, not to mention, they are utterly satisfying. If you want to use rosemary in the crust recipe instead of cardamom, I think that would be a great swap. The cardamom adds a little exotic flair to these which I liked a lot. If you are feeling adventurous and want these a little bit more homemade, you can follow the instructions for the filling from this post by David Lebovitz.
Apricot Bars
adapted loosely from David Lebovitz and Tartine
makes one 9×13 pan (about 18 squares)
Ingredients:
For the crust
- 1/2 cup (55g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 1/2 cups (215g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cardamom
- 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 17.5 oz jar apricot preserves
For the crumble topping
- 1/2 cup (70g) flour
- 1/2 cup (95g) packed dark brown sugar
- 1/3 cup (40g) old fashioned oats
- heavy pinch kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons (45g) unsalted butter, cubed, chilled
Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 350F and butter a 9-by-13-inch baking pan.
- To make the crust: sift the confectioners’ sugar into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Stir in the flour and cardamom. Add the butter and beat on low speed just until a smooth dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the pan and allow it to come up about a 1/2 inch up the sides of the pan. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights.
- Bake the crust until it is a deep golden brown, about 25-35 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, make the crumb topping. Mix together the flour, brown sugar, oats, salt, and butter in the bowl of the stand mixer, with the paddle attachment, until the mixture just barely starts to clump together. Refrigerate if not using immediately.
- Spread the apricot preserves evenly over the cooled crust and sprinkle evenly with the crumb topping. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
- On a wire rack, cool bars completely. Cut into squares and serve.
Barbara replied:
These sound delightful. I’m going to have to make these soon!
April 24, 2012 at 9:52 am. Permalink.
Jody Peterson replied:
Hello! I was trying to find a contact button on your blog but didn’t see one so this will have to do.
I just stumbled across an article you wrote on another site about an instagram book you made in Europe. Totally random but I found your article cause I am trying to figure out how I can still use instagram on my phone without actually racking up huge expenses on my phone bill. My husband said our phones won’t work in Europe anyway, and that I could try it on airplane mode but instagram does not work on airplane mode. Though our phones won’t work I am worried about turning it off of airplane and incurring roaming charges. ANYWAY, just wanting to know how ya did it 
I am obsessed with instagram and would love to capture our trip to Greece with this medium! If you could email me back that would be great! And beautiful instagram book by the way!
Thanks!
April 26, 2012 at 4:13 pm. Permalink.
feedthahorse replied:
looks delicious. I have to try it
thanks for sharing *
June 1, 2012 at 3:41 am. Permalink.
1footprint2feet replied:
it’s fun reading how a city-dweller views the country, I’ve always wondered.
those bars look good, do you know about how many calories are in them?
May 31, 2012 at 10:54 am. Permalink.
Rachel Logan replied:
Thanks! Gosh, I dont’ know how many calories are in one.. I try not to think about it! Ha!
May 31, 2012 at 11:18 am. Permalink.
1footprint2feet replied:
Oh that’s fine =) I’ve been counting calories (good to start young right? haha) and those look so good I thought I’d ask
June 3, 2012 at 6:26 pm. Permalink.
SarahJ replied:
I love the addition of cardamom to the crust!
May 31, 2012 at 11:00 am. Permalink.
Rachel Logan replied:
Sarah, the cardamom was awesome. Just the right amount of spice.
May 31, 2012 at 11:19 am. Permalink.
Katie Raspberry replied:
Looks so delicious! ~
Katie
http://katieraspberry.wordpress.com/
May 31, 2012 at 11:00 am. Permalink.
Christa L Sagmoe replied:
Reblogged this on thelifeandtimesofafoodie and commented:
These are some amazing looking treats… Got to try them!
May 31, 2012 at 11:11 am. Permalink.
Rachel Logan replied:
Thanks Christa! Let me know how they are! I couldn’t stop eating them.
May 31, 2012 at 11:26 am. Permalink.
Chicken Nuggets and Elmo replied:
oh yum, they look and sound amazing!
May 31, 2012 at 11:12 am. Permalink.
Rachel Logan replied:
Thanks so much!! They are really quite delicious. You’ll have to make them sometime!
May 31, 2012 at 11:25 am. Permalink.
Chicken Nuggets and Elmo replied:
oh, and congrats on the FP. It’s always nice to see something delicious on the front page!
May 31, 2012 at 11:43 am. Permalink.
Rachel Logan replied:
Yeah! Thanks! Such a great surprise!
May 31, 2012 at 12:00 pm. Permalink.
caloricandcrazy replied:
Oooh these look so delicious! Remind me of a prettier version of lemon bars!
May 31, 2012 at 12:08 pm. Permalink.
kellie@foodtoglow replied:
A fellow cardamom fiend
I pop it into as many things as I can get away with and this recipe sounds lovely. My current recipe features cardamom. And I have just bought some new season’s Spanish apricots (I live in the UK) and will take great delight in compoting them and layering them in to this simple recipe. Lovely photos from your friend’s idyllically situated cabin, too. Me? Jealous? Btw, congrats on being Freshly Pressed!
May 31, 2012 at 12:10 pm. Permalink.
travesaou replied:
Unfortunately, we don’t have apricots where I live. And if they do, it’s probably muy caro! and damned impossible to find, even in a preserved form. What other fruits would work with this. Apples? Pears?
May 31, 2012 at 12:28 pm. Permalink.
Rachel Logan replied:
Its really just a jam filling so you could use whatever you’d like! I bet strawberry jam would be absolutely fantastic with the cardamom crust! Mmm I’m going to have to make that!
May 31, 2012 at 1:23 pm. Permalink.
travesaou replied:
Thanks!
June 3, 2012 at 5:05 pm. Permalink.
jmsabbagh replied:
If everyone looks around ,he will see the many blessing he been blessed with.But most people don;t do that any more.I am happy for your blessing.l will try making those apricot bars.Best regards. Jalal Michael Sabbagh
May 31, 2012 at 1:09 pm. Permalink.
Rachel Logan replied:
Thanks Jalal! You’re right, we are all blessed in one way or another. Enjoy those bars!
May 31, 2012 at 1:24 pm. Permalink.
juststartwithmonday replied:
These apricot bars look scrumptious. Have to wonder if they will test even better in the mountain scene that you describe that you visit….the porch swing scene drew me there experiencing it with you. Thanks for sharing. You Matter! Smiles, Nancy
May 31, 2012 at 1:12 pm. Permalink.
Rachel Logan replied:
Thanks Nancy! I think that mountain scene really DOES enhance them.
May 31, 2012 at 1:25 pm. Permalink.
The Intrepid Knitter replied:
Thanks for a reminder to take time to linger on the porch with friends and good food. Blessings indeed!
May 31, 2012 at 1:33 pm. Permalink.
didiita replied:
The story you told to go along side this wonderful recipe, makes it seem like it is the greatest recipe out there. I want a cabin in the woods with a tall cup of coffee, my best friend, and these apricot bars! ♥
May 31, 2012 at 1:39 pm. Permalink.
Rachel Logan replied:
Thank you! It is the best way to enjoy such treats.
May 31, 2012 at 5:26 pm. Permalink.
Alex Jones replied:
I would find it hard to live in a big city, I need to have a link to nature.
I like the apricot bars.
May 31, 2012 at 2:09 pm. Permalink.
Rachel Logan replied:
Thanks Alex. I definitely miss nature, that’s why I retreat there often. It’s necessary for my sanity!
May 31, 2012 at 5:28 pm. Permalink.
allaricercadelviaggioperduto replied:
they really looks delicious!
May 31, 2012 at 3:09 pm. Permalink.
emmycooks replied:
Mmm, yum. I have lots of apricot jam left from last year–this looks like a nice way to use it up!
May 31, 2012 at 3:11 pm. Permalink.
Sarah replied:
I love the way you write…or maybe it’s what you write about. Either one, both together, it’s lovely. And these apricot bars? Oh yum! I’m so putting them on my list to make!
May 31, 2012 at 3:23 pm. Permalink.
Rachel Logan replied:
Such a sweet comment Sarah! Enjoy those bars!!
May 31, 2012 at 5:29 pm. Permalink.
triptracker replied:
My grandmother used to make something very similar but the filling was whatever she had on hand.
May 31, 2012 at 3:28 pm. Permalink.
Rachel Logan replied:
Yep, that’s the beauty of these bars, you can throw whatever jam you have in there and I’m sure they’ll be delicious!
May 31, 2012 at 5:30 pm. Permalink.
Ninay replied:
A joyous and peaceful moment made even more wonderful by those tempting sweet bars.
May 31, 2012 at 4:18 pm. Permalink.
Diane Landy replied:
I will definitely try these. They just look so good!
May 31, 2012 at 4:19 pm. Permalink.
lijiujiu replied:
Great post!
I admire your skill so much, thanks for sharing…
May 31, 2012 at 5:56 pm. Permalink.
nazarioartpainting replied:
Mmh! Thank you for sharing the sweet and delicious recipe.
May 31, 2012 at 6:10 pm. Permalink.
Ashlee Craft replied:
Reblogged this on Ashlee Craft's Blog.
May 31, 2012 at 6:48 pm. Permalink.
Julia Fairchild replied:
sounds tasty! thanks for sharing!
May 31, 2012 at 7:38 pm. Permalink.
Billie Jean replied:
These look delicious, going to see if I can try it. You make that cabin in the woods sound wonderful!
May 31, 2012 at 8:01 pm. Permalink.
The Hungry Architect replied:
So hungry… great post! Congrats on FP
May 31, 2012 at 9:34 pm. Permalink.
Rachel Logan replied:
Thanks so much!
May 31, 2012 at 10:54 pm. Permalink.
Amanda replied:
These look so delicious! Hmm.. finally, a worthy use for the homegrown apricots a friend gave me!
May 31, 2012 at 9:38 pm. Permalink.
themeepingkoala replied:
I made a small batch to try and ate them all in under 15 minutes. THEY ARE AWESOME.
May 31, 2012 at 10:27 pm. Permalink.
Rachel Logan replied:
I know right?? I had to give those things away. I could have eaten the WHOLE tray! I’m so glad you liked them!
May 31, 2012 at 10:53 pm. Permalink.
themeepingkoala replied:
*gasp* But they’re SO GOOD
June 1, 2012 at 1:38 pm. Permalink.
meb replied:
so yum! No apricots in Indonesia, adding this to my list of things to bake when I got back to America! Thanks for making my stomach excited
May 31, 2012 at 10:54 pm. Permalink.
Rachel Logan replied:
Meb, you can use any jam you have available to you. What types of fruit preserves do they have there?
May 31, 2012 at 10:58 pm. Permalink.
Dreamz Infra replied:
Ohh fine..fantastic article
May 31, 2012 at 11:14 pm. Permalink.
Alyssa replied:
Yummy! Looks tasty, I need to take a bite.
Congrats on making it to freshly press by the way.
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June 1, 2012 at 1:13 am. Permalink.
poddys replied:
These look great, we love apricots. Might be fun using your own home made preserves as well. Not tried making apricot jam.
June 1, 2012 at 2:28 am. Permalink.
arisawake replied:
looks yummy. i think im gonna try this tomorrow. but apricot is a bit expensive here in thailand so i might think of something else as a substitute. nice post!
June 1, 2012 at 2:29 am. Permalink.
Rachel Logan replied:
Thanks! Yep, any jam will do!
June 1, 2012 at 6:34 am. Permalink.
alterego9221 replied:
those apricots look sooo tasty<3
June 1, 2012 at 3:42 am. Permalink.
Paige Sitwell replied:
Sounds heavenly sitting on that porch!
June 1, 2012 at 5:54 am. Permalink.
dreamz infra replied:
really looking so delicious..
June 1, 2012 at 7:01 am. Permalink.
Barrysentials, The He Said She Said Wine blog replied:
Beautiful thoughts and great recipe. I think it would go well with the mango wine from Aliya for summer after-dinner treats. http://bit.ly/FruitWines
June 1, 2012 at 7:31 am. Permalink.
Rachel Logan replied:
This would be fabulous with mango wine!
June 1, 2012 at 12:15 pm. Permalink.
miss toy replied:
i’m gonna try these this weekend.
i loved your opening sentence. i think about that everyday.
June 1, 2012 at 7:56 am. Permalink.
segmation replied:
I have my own apricots. I can’t wait to try out your recipe with my daughter. Thanks for sharing this Rachel!
June 1, 2012 at 8:08 am. Permalink.
Signs of Life replied:
Lovely. I remember that feeling. I try to foster it in the city, but the real thing is, of course, the real thing. I’d love to have a house with a porch and a great view.
June 1, 2012 at 8:17 am. Permalink.
bringmemycoffee replied:
I’m not sure what is more appealing: the apricot bars or the image of good friends relaxing on the porch with a hot mug and bare feet on the rail. I need a trip to that porch. Great post!
June 1, 2012 at 8:18 am. Permalink.
silvachiqa replied:
These look so yummy I will be trying them myself.
June 1, 2012 at 9:01 am. Permalink.
TEES AND MORE replied:
Reblogged this on TEES AND MORE.
June 1, 2012 at 9:36 am. Permalink.
Sibella replied:
Great writing, great post, photos – everything!
June 1, 2012 at 10:10 am. Permalink.
jensine replied:
mmmmhhh going to try that tomorrow
June 1, 2012 at 10:46 am. Permalink.
offthewalldaily replied:
These sound beautiful, my girlfriend has a nut, egg and oat allergy so I shall leave out the oats. Brilliant otherwise.
June 1, 2012 at 10:54 am. Permalink.
niemama replied:
Reblogged this on Thrive Handcrafts and commented:
Thrive isn’t just about soap… it’s about loving life! I’ll report back after I make these
June 1, 2012 at 11:00 am. Permalink.
Rachel Logan replied:
I hope you like them!
June 1, 2012 at 1:02 pm. Permalink.
yingyingxue replied:
Great post!
http://yingyingxue.blogspot.com/
June 2, 2012 at 3:30 am. Permalink.
The Vagabond Baker replied:
these look lovely, I like your photography a lot
June 2, 2012 at 5:53 am. Permalink.
www.macuisineetvous.com replied:
simply nice recipe.
June 2, 2012 at 9:02 am. Permalink.
bobbieschae replied:
Your blog is beautifully written and I can’t wait to try this recipe! I just wrote today about how important great friends are! They really are one of life’s greatest blessings! I have a friend like the one you talk about and we love to bake and have wine!
. Ahhhhh! The simple pleasures!
June 4, 2012 at 5:29 pm. Permalink.
Rachel Logan replied:
Thanks Bobbie! What a sweet comment! I really am thankful for those lifelong friendships.
June 6, 2012 at 7:32 pm. Permalink.
bobbieschae replied:
I know! Where would we be with out our friends! ?!
June 10, 2012 at 8:49 pm. Permalink.
trialsinfood replied:
sounds like a wonderful weekend. the bars look delicious!
June 11, 2012 at 11:53 am. Permalink.
Essence Of Blessedness « Poetry Writers Book Shop replied:
[...] apricot bars (odetogoodness.com) Share this:TwitterEmailFacebookDiggLinkedInRedditStumbleUponPinterestTumblrPrintLike this:LikeBe the first to like this. Leave a Comment by Poetry Writers Book Shop on July 9, 2012 • Permalink Posted in Devotionals, Ink Pens, Inspirational, Metaphorical Visionary, Poetry Seeress, Poets Thoughts, Spirituality Ensoulments Tagged blessedness, daily poetry, empyrean gateway, empyrean stillness, ensouling, ensouling amassments, ensouling moments, god heart, godly eyes, gods vine, healing and hope, healing balms, healing gardens, loves bounty, nectars of love, palliative balms, poetry balms, poetry muse, poetry prose, salvational healing, spiritual healing, spiritualist, the poet, the poetry, through christ eyes [...]
July 10, 2012 at 1:03 pm. Permalink.