First Place Apricot-Date Bars

Ingredients and Weight:

1. Apricots: 2 cups, pitted and chopped (about 250 grams)
2. Dates: 1 cup, pit removed and chopped (about 150 grams)
3. All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 grams)
4. Brown sugar: 1 cup (200 grams)
5. Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (113 grams)
6. Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
7. Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
8. Eggs: 2 large
9. Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
10. Oats: 1 cup (optional, for topping)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 30 minutes
• Cooking: 45 minutes
• Total: 75 minutes

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
3. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and eggs together until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and mix.
4. Add the chopped apricots and dates to the butter mixture and stir until combined.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Pour the mixture into a baking dish (lined with parchment paper for easy removal) and top with oats if desired.
7. Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool before slicing into bars.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 servings total)

• Calories: 400
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 3g

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich, sweet, and filled with natural flavors from apricots and dates.
• Great for an after-dinner treat or as a snack with coffee or tea.
• The combination of apricots and dates creates a unique flavor that is both fruity and hearty.

User Comments:

1. "These bars are fantastic! The combination of apricots and dates is unexpected and delicious."
2. "The texture is perfect - not too hard and not too soft."
3. "Great for a weekend baking project with the family."
4. "Love the oats on top! Adds a nice crunch."
5. "A great way to use up fresh apricots from the market."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be sure to pit the apricots and dates before using them in the recipe.
• Do not overmix the ingredients; this can lead to a tough bar texture.
• Line the baking dish with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for longer storage.