Preheat oven to 350°F.

Sift together:

4 tsp. baking powder
2 cups bread flour
1 tsp. salt
2/3 cup sugar

Add:

1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
1/2 cup chopped dates
1/2 cup chopped nuts

(The apricots, dates and nuts can be put through meat chopper, putting nuts through last to clean other ingredients out of chopper).

Combine:

1 egg, beaten
1 cup milk
2 tbsp. melted shortening

Stir into other ingredients, mixing well. Transfer to greased and floured loaf or ring pan.

Bake in preheated oven for 60-90 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.