1 c. dried apricots
1 c. sugar
2 tbsp. shortening
1 egg
1/4 c. water
1/2 c. orange juice
2 c. all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1/2 c. chopped nuts, preferably pecans

Soak the apricots in warm water for 5 minutes. Drain and cut in small pieces. Mix together the sugar, shortening, and egg. Stir in the water and orange juice. Sift together and add the flour, baking powder, soda, and salt. Blend in the nuts and cut up apricots. Line bottom of greased loaf pan with waxed paper. Pour in batter and let stand 20 minutes. Bake 55-65 minutes in 350 degree oven until wooden pick comes out clean from center of loaf. Remove from pan and take paper off immediately. Let cool on rack until stone cold.