We’ve had a change in our neighborhood and while we were sad to see our old pals move on, we couldn’t be more delighted with our new neighbors.

It’s always a good thing to introduce yourself and welcome the new folk into your neck of the woods. We often deliver a plant, bottle of wine or a lil’ somethin’ from our very own kitchens.

We’ve been trolling the The Pioneer Woman website of late and drooling over all Ree’s recipes, so it only seemed right to put one to the test. And it passed with flying colors. So much so that two batches had to be made to keep our families from revolting!!

A recipe that is easy, delicious and enjoyed at anytime of day…or should we say, every time of day?!?!?…Thank you Ree Drummond !!

Apricot bars

The main characters:
1 1/2 cup flour
1 1/2 cup oats
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 t salt
1 3/4 stick salted butter
1 jar (10-12 oz.) Apricot preserves

The scene:

Mix together all ingredients EXCEPT apricot preserves.

Press one half of mixture into buttered 8″ pan. Spread with apricot jam. Sprinkle remaining half of mixture in top and press lightly.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until lightly browned. Let cool completely, then cut into squares.

The finale:

Try not to eat them all in one sitting…..good luck with that!!

Now for the encore:

Put them in a box and tie with a ribbon!

Can’t y’all just hear the applause!!

a&a