In a medium saucepan, cover apricots with water and boil for 10 minutes; drain and cool. When cooled, chop and set aside.

Sift together 2 cups flour and 1/2 cup sugar. Cut in the margarine. Press in the bottom of a greased 13"x9"x2" baking dish and bake at 325 degrees F. for 25 minutes.

Combine the brown sugar, eggs and vanilla. Sift together the remaining flour, baking powder and salt. Add to the sugar/egg mixture and mix well. Add the apricots and pecan pieces. Spread this mixture over the baked crust. Bake for 35 minutes at 325 degrees F.

Cool several hours. Cut into squares and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Makes 48 bars. These freeze very well.