Orange Slice Bars

1 pound candy orange slices, cut into 1/8-inch strips
6 tablespoons hot water
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Confectioners' sugar

In a bowl, combine candy and water. Cover and soak overnight; drain well and set aside.

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and brown sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla extract.

Combine flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. Fold in walnuts and candy. Spread into a greased 15 x 10-inch baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.

Dust with confectioners' sugar. Cut into bars.

Yields about 4 dozen.