CONTEST COOKIES: Easy Apricot Nut Bars

EASY APRICOT NUT BARS
Adapted by BumbleBeeBoogie

1 cup butter, at room temperature
1 cup granulated white sugar
1 large egg
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup raw blanched almonds, finely chopped
1 10-ounce jar apricot jam, slightly warmed in a microwave oven

In a large bowl, cream together the butter with the sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg.

In another bowl, whisk to blend the flour, salt and nuts. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and beat until smooth.

Preheat the oven at 350 degrees F.

Divide the dough in two parts. Spread or press half of the dough in a buttered 9 x 13-inch baking pan. Cover with the apricot jam. Drop remaining dough in spoonfuls over the jam, spreading it to the edges of the pan.

Bake for 40 minutes or until golden. Cool and cut into squares.