Apricot Pecan Bars

2 cups unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
4 cups all-purpose flour
2⅔ cups apricots; dried
1⅓ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon sea salt
4 cups brown sugar; firmly packed
8 large eggs
2 cups Pecan Valley Pecan Pieces
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF.
2. In a large mixing bowl cream butter and sugar. Stir in flour until crumbly. Pack into a 12-inch-by-18 pan.
3. Bake in a preheated oven for 25 minutes or until lightly browned.
4. Cook apricots in small amount of water until softened, drain and process until pureed in food processor.
5. In a large mixing bowl beat brown sugar and eggs together until well-blended. Add dry ingredients and mix until blended.
6. Add vanilla, apricots and nuts and mix until blended. Spread over baked layer.
7. Bake in a preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until golden. Cool and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Cut into pieces approximately 1½-inch by ¾-inch.