Apricot Sesame Squares

Dietz family favorite. One of Donna's Dad's favorites!

1/2 C toasted sesame seeds  (second most important ingredient!)
3/4 C butter/etc soft
1 C packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 C flour
1/2 t salt
1/2 t baking soda (or powder)
1/2 t cinnamon
1 C quick oats
1 C finely chopped dried apricots (this makes the whole thing possible)
1/2 C seedless raisins (swap out for currants or craisins if desired)

To toast seeds: spread in shallow pan and bake in 350F 5-8 minutes stirring occasionally until golden. Remove from oven.  Cool. (You can probably do this on top of the stove if you have a big enough pan to manage that as well!)

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, egg, until light and fluffy. Stir flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon into butter mixture until well mixed. Add oats, apricots, toasted sesame seeds, and raisins. Mix well.  Mixture will be thick. Spread evenly into greased 12"x9" pan.  Bake in 350F oven 25 min or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool before cutting. Makes 24 2"squares.