Quick Apricot Bars

I may have mentioned once or twice that apricot is one of my favorite flavors.  This is a quick recipe that I am going to adapt by swapping pecans for walnuts because I love the way pecans taste with apricots.  Maybe I'll share them...maybe not. ;-P

3/4 C. butter
1 C. packed brown sugar
1 3/4 C. all purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 C. old fashioned or quick cooking oats
1 8oz. jar apricot jam
1 C. chopped pecans (or walnuts)

Heat oven to 400 degrees.  Spray 13X9 inch pan with nonstick cooking spray.

In a medium bowl, beat butter and brown sugar at medium speed until well blended.  Combine flour, salt and baking soda; add to butter mixture.  Add oats; blend well.  Press one half of crust mixture into pan.  Press down firmly.  Stir jam and nuts together.  Spread jam mixture evenly over crust.  Press remaining one half crust mixture evenly over filling.

Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.  Col in pan on wire rack.  Cut into 2 X 1 inch bars and store in an air tight container.