Tangy-Chewy Fruit Bars

chiclet's Note:

Looks like another winner from the Baker's Catalogue! Prep time is an estimate.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 16

CRUST

• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

TOPPING

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup half-and-half
• 1 1/2 cups dried fruit, of your choice cut in 1/4-inch pieces if large
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F Lightly grease a 9"x9" pan.
2. TO PREPARE CRUST:.
3. In a medium bowl, beat together the butter, sugar, salt, and vanilla.
4. Add the flour, scraping the bowl and mixing until everything is well combined.
5. Press the crust into the bottom of the prepared pan, and bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until lightly browned.
6. TO PREPARE TOPPING:.
7. Melt the butter with the salt, sugar, and half and half. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently.
8. Boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
9. Stir in the fruit and nuts. Spread the topping over the baked crust.
10. Bake the bars for 14-16 minutes, until the crust is starting to brown (you should be able to see just the edge of it), and the fruit mixture is bubbly.
11. Remove from the oven and let cool for at 45 minutes.
12. After 45 minutes, use a bench knife or table knife to loosen the edges of the bars from the pan. Don't wait too long, or they'll be really stuck.
13. Cut the bars when completely cool.