Apricot Bars

2  6 oz. packages dried apricots
3/4 c. sugar
3/4 c. butter or margarine, softened
1 c. sugar
2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. soda
1  3 oz. can flaked coconut
1/2 c. pecans or walnuts

Cover apricots with water; simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.  Drain apricots, reserving 1/4 cup liquid.  Mash apricots or chop finely.  Combine reserved liquid and 3/4 c. sugar in a saucepan; simmer 5 minutes, then stir in apricots.  Let cool.  Cream butter, gradually add 1 cup sugar, beating until light and fluffy.  Combine flour, salt, soda, and stir well.   Add to creamed mixture (mixture will be crumbly).  Stir in coconut and pecans.  Put 3/4 of coconut mixture into an ungreased 11 x 13 pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.  Spread apricot mixture over crust; sprinkle with remaining coconut mixture.  Bake for 30 minutes.  Let cool in pan, then cut into 2 inch squares.  Yields 2 dozen.