Soak 1 cup dried apricots for 30 minutes in warm water to cover. Drain and cut apricots into 1/4 inch pieces.

Mix together thoroughly: 1 c. sugar 2 tbsp. soft butter

Add: 1/2 c. orange juice

Sift together and add: 2 tsp. baking powder 1/4 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. salt

Blend in apricots; add nuts if desired. Line bottom of loaf pan with wax paper. Grease paper. Pour batter into pan. Let stand 20 minutes. Bake 55-65 minutes at 350 degrees. Remove paper immediately and cool bread on rack.