06-22-14-apricot-bars

This is a bit of a no-brainer bar cookie that really works well with thin slices of fresh fruit. I’ve made it it peaches, plums, and nectarines, so far, and I imagine just about anything would work – including bananas or thin-sliced or chopped cherries. Or apricots. Or whatever looks good at the grocers or farmers market.

What’s nice is there is no additional sugar in the filling – just a thin layer of fresh fruit.

Nonna loves them. She’s finding lots of reasons to get up and head into the kitchen for one of those “as long as I’m here” moments!

Nectarine Squares

  • 3 cups flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp cloves
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • pinch salt
  • 3-4 nectarines or peaches

Preheat oven to 375°

Butter a 9×13 inch pan. Mix together sugar, baking powder, flour, salt and spices. Cut cold butter into dry ingredients. Add egg and mix well.

Press 2/3 of the crumbs into buttered pan, pressing well.

Layer nectarine slaices over packed crumbs.

Sprinkle remaining crumbs evenly over the top and bake about 30 minutes or until top is slightly brown.

Cool and then cut into squares.